MBABANE: Senator Themba Masuku, the Acting Prime Minister has banned all gatherings and restricted the sale of alcohol shortly after King Mswati dispersed members of his regiments who participated in the Incwala ritual ceremony.
The King dispersed the regiments on Tuesday after concluding the Incwala ceremony believed to have contributed to the surge in COVID-19 cases, he subsequently ordered his government to announce a partial lockdown that now comes with strict regulations.
Speaking during a press conference held in Mbabane on Thursday, the Acting Prime Minister said alcohol will now be sold on Monday to Thursday every week while public transport operators are now required to transport customers at 80% capacity. He announced that funeral should be attended by only 50 people, memorial services are banned while a corpse should now be buried within three(3) days.
"All gatherings of all sizes are prohibited except gatherings for burials. Physical meetings, when absolutely necessary, for first line responders are limited to 20 people, beyond which only virtual meetings should be held" said the DPM.
The Acting Prime Minister further announced that no retailer will be allowed to operate after 6pm, liquor outlet will operate from 11am to 4pm while travelling outside the country is now banned except for business, medical purposes and schooling among others.

Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku