International travel to resume as SA moves to Level One
Following consultations with provincial and local government representatives, and drawing on the
advice of scientists and engagements with various stakeholders, Cabinet decided this morning that the country should move to Alert Level 1.
The move to Alert Level 1 will take effect from midnight on Sunday 20 September 2020.
This move recognises that levels of infection are relatively low and that there is sufficient capacity in our health system to manage the current need.
The move to Alert Level 1 will mean a further easing of restrictions on gatherings.
- Social, religious, political and other gatherings will be permitted, as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings.
- Health protocols, such as washing or sanitising of hands, social distancing and mask-wearing, will need to be strictly observed.
- The maximum number of people who may attend a funeral is increased from 50 to 100 due to the higher risk of viral transmission at funerals. Night vigils are still not permitted.
- Venues for exercise, recreation and entertainment – such as gyms and theatres – which were limited to no more than 50 people, will now be allowed to accommodate up to 50% of their venue’s capacity as determined by available floor space, subject to social distancing and other health protocols.
- Existing restrictions on sporting events remain in place.
Where required for the purposes of voter registration or special voting, the Independent Electoral Commission will be allowed to visit correctional centres, health facilities, old age homes and other similar institutions.
This will be subject to all the health protocols, including the wearing of masks and washing or sanitising of hands.
One of the earliest measures we took to contain the spread of the virus was to severely restrict international arrivals and to close our borders.
With the move to Alert Level 1, we will gradually and cautiously ease restrictions on international travel.
We will be allowing travel into and out of South Africa for business, leisure and other travel with effect from 1 October 2020.
This is subject to various containment and mitigation measures:
- Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published based on the latest scientific data.
- Travellers will only be able to use one of the land border posts that have remained operational during the lockdown or one of the three main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airport.
- On arrival, travellers will need to present a negative Covid-19 test result not older than 72 hours from time of departure.
- Where a traveller has not done a Covid-19 test prior to departure, they will be required to remain in mandatory quarantine at their own cost.
- All travellers will be screened on arrival and those presenting with symptoms will be required to remain in quarantine until a repeat Covid-19 test is conducted.
- All travellers will be asked to install the Covid Alert South Africa mobile app. Countries that have used this type of app have been able to manage the coronavirus pandemic quite effectively.
In preparation for the reopening of our borders, South African missions abroad will open for visa applications and all long-term visas will be reinstated.