South Africa: Government tightens COVID-19 restrictions nationwide until July 11 due to rising disease activity /update 10

Event

The government tightened the nation's domestic COVID-19-related restrictions through at least July 11 due to a significant increase in infections. Effective 00:01 June 28, authorities have placed the country on Level 4 on its five-tier virus transmission risk scale. A nationwide 21:00-04:00 curfew is in effect; only permitted workers are allowed to travel during curfew hours.

Additionally, the following restrictions are also in force under Level 4 until at least July 12:

• Facemasks are mandatory in all public places.

• Travel in and out of Gauteng for leisure is prohibited.

• All social, religious, political, and other gatherings are prohibited except funerals, which officials limit to 50 people.

• Alcohol sales are banned.

• Restaurants and other eateries may only serve food for takeaway or delivery. All nonessential establishments must close by 20:00.

• Individuals should only meet with members of their own households outside of work.

• Schools will close from June 30, but public parks and beaches will remain open.

Authorities could further tighten or ease restrictions within individual jurisdictions based on disease activity. Further amendments to updated restrictions are possible in the coming days.

International Travel Restrictions
OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), King Shaka (DUR), Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP), and Lanseria International (HLA) airports are open for international flights. However, several nations have placed restrictions on flights to and from South Africa due to concerns over variants of COVID-19 present in the country. Twenty land border crossings with neighboring states are open; a further 33 remain closed.

Persons entering South Africa must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival in the country; those failing to do so will be tested on arrival. Individuals testing positive will be subject to a 10-day isolation period.

Maritime travel is permitted on small passenger craft; however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking. Cargo transport is operating normally.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, including required in-country quarantine requirements, before travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for delays at available shopping centers.

Resources

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