Economics

Bizarre Clothing Rules for Lockdown Baffle South Africans

  • Government says restrictions needed to curb coronavirus
  • Rules reminiscent of Soviet era, main opposition party says
Workers of a shop prepare to reopen in Melville, Johannesburg.Photographer: LUCA SOLA/AFP
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South African stores can only sell shoes if they are “closed toe,” and short-sleeved shirts if they are promoted or displayed to be worn under jackets or jerseys, according to the latest list of government rules that spell out what’s allowed during a nationwide lockdown.

The regulations published Tuesday are the latest addition to a plethora of state directives -- ostensibly to limit economic activity and curb the spread of the coronavirus. Most South Africans are baffled about what purpose they serve.