South Africa: Authorities announce additional nationwide COVID-19 restrictions from Dec. 15 /update 16

Event

Authorities on Dec. 14 announced updated Level 1 restrictions citing increased coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections. Additional restrictions have been announced for specific areas with high-rates of local transmission.

The national state of disaster remains in effect through Jan. 15, 2021.

International Travel Restrictions:

No new restrictions have been imposed on international travel.
Three international airports are open for the entry and departure of foreign travelers, namely O.R. Tambo (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT), and King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
Effective Nov. 12, 18 land ports of entry are fully operational; however, 35 border posts remain closed due to insufficient capacity for screening, testing, and quarantine. Small-craft passenger maritime travel is allowed to resume; however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking.
Those entering South Africa will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in the country.
All travelers will be screened upon arrival. Those showing symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to take a test. Travelers who test positive will be subject to mandatory quarantine for up to 10 days at a designated facility. Authorities also require proof of accommodation, should they need to self-quarantine at the time of arrival in the country.
Travelers departing South Africa will be subject to screening. Those found to have had COVID-19 may be subject to further testing. The outcome of the test will determine whether or not the person may depart the country, as determined by the Director-General of Health or a delegated person. Travelers testing positive will need to self-isolate; this may be done at one's private residence.

Domestic Restrictions:

No new restrictions have been imposed on interprovincial travel; however, people are encouraged to travel only when essential, and adhere to social distancing when doing so.
A 1100-0400 nightly curfew is in place from Dec. 15. Medical personnel and other essential workers are exempt from the measure but require a travel permit.
Bars and restaurants and other non-essential services have to close by 2200 from Dec. 15.
Beaches and public parks in the Eastern Cape Province, and along the Garden Route in Western Cape Province, will be closed from Dec. 16-Jan. 3. Beaches in the KwaZulu-Natal province will be closed Dec. 16, 25, 26, 31 and Jan. 1-3.
Social, religious, political, and other gatherings will be permitted, so long as the capacity does not exceed 50 percent of the venue. No more than 100 people are permitted to gather in indoor spaces, and no more than 250 are to gather in outdoor spaces.
The mandatory wearing of facemasks in public remains in place. Those caught contravening this measure will face fines or criminal charges.
Public rail transportation, minibus taxi, and bus services are permitted but need to adhere to directives following the increase of commuters. These will be announced in the coming days. E-hailing services will be permitted to operate under certain circumstances and between designated hours.
Funeral attendance is set at a maximum of 100 people; post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.

Hotspot Restrictions:

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the Sarah Bartman District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, and the Garden Route in the Western Cape as Covid-19 hotspots. The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro was declared the first Covid-19 hotspot Dec. 3.

A 2200-0400 nightly curfew is in place. Medical personnel and other essential workers are exempt from the measure but require a travel permit.
Gatherings will be permitted as long as the capacity does not exceed 50 percent of the venue. No more than 100 people are permitted to gather in indoor spaces, and no more than 250 are to gather in outdoor spaces. All post-funeral gatherings are prohibited.
Restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol are in place.

Authorities have reiterated that the disease activity will determine the increase or decrease of restrictive measures in individual districts, metros, and provinces that are identified as coronavirus hotspots. Further amendments to updated restrictions are possible in the coming days. The resumption of economic activities in additional sectors is subject to stringent health and safety measures.

Context

South Africa's travel restrictions and preventive measures correspond with similar actions other governments are taking globally in response to the spread of COVID-19.

Stages of the phasing of restrictive measures are as follows:

Level 5 – Drastic measures are required.
Level 4 – Some activity can be allowed, subject to extreme requirements.
Level 3 – The easing of some restrictions on work and social activities.
Level 2 – Further easing of restrictions, but the maintenance of social distancing.
Level 1 – Most normal activity can resume, with caution and health guidelines followed at all times.

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. South Africa declared a National State of Disaster on March 15 and implemented nationwide movement restrictions on March 26.

Advice

Heed all official advisories and remain nonconfrontational if stopped by authorities. Reconfirm all travel arrangements if traveling to, from, or via South Africa. Shipping disruptions may occur; consider delaying or rerouting shipments. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.