South Africa: Authorities move to Level 1 COVID-19 restrictions MArch 1 due to a decrease in active cases /update 2

Event

Authorities in South Africa have downgraded COVID-19-related restrictions to Level 1 (the lowest on a five-tier system), as of March 1 due to the decrease in the number of active COVID-19 cases. This includes a nationwide 0000-0400 curfew, shortened from 2300-0400. The state of emergency remains in place through to at least March 15. A number of revised restrictions and measures are in place and include the following:

Domestic Restrictions:

• All restrictions on alcohol sales have been lifted, allowing the resumption of normal trading hours, apart from those during the curfew.

• All nonessential businesses are permitted to operate.

• All beaches, parks, museums, and other recreational activities are permitted to operate.

• Religious, social, political, and cultural meetings are permitted, providing that social distancing measures are in place. Indoor gatherings may not exceed 50-percent capacity (or 100 people). Outdoor gatherings also may not exceed 50-percent capacity but may allow up to 250 people.

• Gatherings or night vigils before and after funerals remain prohibited until further notice.

• The wearing of protective facemasks remains compulsory in all public spaces.

International Travel Restrictions:

• OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), King Shaka (DUR), Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP), and Lanseria International (HLA) airports are open to receive international passengers.

• Small passenger craft maritime travel is permitted; however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking.

• People entering South Africa will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival in the country.

• Business travelers providing services between countries belonging to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are permitted multiple entries, provided that a negative PCR test is presented and taken no longer than 72 hours before departure. This certificate is valid for 14 days.

• Transiting in South Africa to a third country is permitted, provided a negative PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival is presented. If a negative PCR test is not shown, travelers may need to quarantine at a government facility at their own cost.

• 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. Departing travelers testing positive will need to self-isolate; this may take place at one's private residence.

The 20 land borders previously opened will remain open; however, the remaining 33 that are closed will remain so until further notice. The following are open:

• Botswana: Kopfontein, Groblersbridge, Skilpadshek, and Ramathbama

• Lesotho: Maserubridge, Ficksburg, Van Rooyensgate, Qachasneck, Caledonspoort, and Sanipass

• eSwatini: Oshoek, Golela, Jeppes Reef, Mananga, and Mahamba

• Namibia: Nakop and Vioolsdrift

• Mozambique: Lebombo and Kosi Bay

• Zimbabwe: Beitbridge

People traveling into South Africa via these entry points will need to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no longer than 72 hours before entry. Those who fail to provide a negative COVID-19 test will need to self-isolate at their own accommodation for 10 days at their own cost. People who submit fraudulent COVID-19 test certificates will be banned from entering the country for five years.

Multiple countries, including El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Panama, Sudan, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK, 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 COVID-19 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.

Resources

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