South Africa: Officials extend National State of Disaster through to March 15 in response to COVID-19

Event

Authorities in South Africa have announced that the National State of Disaster, in place in response to the number of active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, will be extended through to at least March 15, after it was due to expire Feb. 15. Several measures remain in place, including a daily curfew 2300-0400. Land border entry points, including Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg, and Kopfontein, will remain 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 eased Level 3 measures, the following nationwide restrictions are in place:

• Faith-based gatherings are permitted; however, they must adhere to a 50-person capacity for indoor meetings and a 100-person capacity for outdoor groups.

• Public spaces, including beaches and parks, are permitted to reopen as long as health protocols are adhered to.

• Cinemas, museums, theatres, and other indoor recreational activities are permitted to reopen.

• Alcohol sales are permitted, with off-sites sales allowed Monday-Thursday 1000-1800. On-site sales at places such as restaurants are allowed throughout the week 1000-2200.

• Nonessential establishments, including shops, restaurants, bars, and all cultural venues, must close at 2200.

• Funerals are limited to 50 people.

• Sport, political, and other gatherings remain prohibited until further notice.

• The wearing of protective facemasks in public remains compulsory.

Although the number of COVID-19 cases has decreased throughout the nation, several pre-determined hotspots are being monitored. Authorities may implement tightened restrictions in the following areas in the case of a COVID-19 surge:

• Eastern Cape: Chris Hani, Buffalo City, Amathole, Alfred Nzo, and the OR Tambo districts, as well as the 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 Feb. 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.

• 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 a period of 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 costs.

• 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 Feb. 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 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