South Africa: Officials amend COVID-19 restrictions nationwide Jan. 11 /update 19

Event

On Jan.11, authorities announced amendments to South Africa's adjusted Level 3 restrictions due to a significant increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. A 2100-0500 curfew, shortened from 2100-0600, will remain in place. Additionally, 20 land borders entry points, including Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg, and Kopfontein, will be closed through at least Feb. 15 for general entry and departure. Only freight convoys, citizens and permanent residents, and people traveling for medical or educational reasons can enter.

Under the nationwide adjusted Level 3:

• Most indoor and outdoor gatherings are banned, including social gatherings, religious gatherings, political events, traditional council meetings, and gatherings at sports grounds.

• Funerals are permitted with a maximum of 50 people.

• The wearing of facemasks in public is mandatory; individuals who do not comply with the regulation will face fines or imprisonment.

• The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol remains prohibited. The existing prohibition on the consumption of alcohol in public spaces like parks and beaches remains.

• Botanical gardens, national parks, and other parks where access control measures and entry limitations are already in place remain open to the public.

• Nonessential establishments, including shops, restaurants, bars, and all cultural venues, must close at 2000.

• Night clubs and businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor remain closed.

Additionally, authorities have also declared the following 22 districts COVID-19 hotspots, subjected to additional restrictions; all beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, public parks, and public swimming pools in hotspot areas will remain closed to the public.

• Eastern Cape: Chris Hani, Buffalo City, Amathole, Alfred Nzo, and the OR Tambo districts. These are in addition to Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and the Sarah Baartman Districts, which were previously declared hotspots.

• KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini, Umgungundlovu, Ugu, Harry Gwala, King Cetshwayo, and Ilembe districts.

• Gauteng: the West Rand, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg districts.

• Western Cape: the West Coast, Overberg, Winelands, Cape Town, Central Karoo, Garden Route districts.

• North West: Bojanala District.

• Limpopo: the Waterberg and the Capricorn Districts.

International Travel Restrictions

Additionally, as of Jan. 11, South African authorities are maintaining various international travel restrictions:

• 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).

• Small passenger craft maritime travel is permitted; 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 undergo screening 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 travelers to show proof of accommodation should they need to self-quarantine when they arrive 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 test outcome 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 take place at one's private residence.

Separately, as of Jan. 11, multiple countries, including El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Panama, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, continue to impose travel restrictions to South Africa due to a new variant of COVID-19 discovered in the country. Additional countries may impose similar travel restrictions on travel to and from South Africa in the days ahead. Reports indicate that several countries are tightening their monitoring and mandating quarantine of travelers from South Africa.

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

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.

Resources

South Africa Health Department
COVID-19 Online Resource
Government of South Africa
High-risk countries