Changes have been made to South Africa’s Level 1 lockdown regulations, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nation address on Wednesday, November 11.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has officially gazetted the amendments, and they are effective from Thursday, November 12. These amendments mainly relate to international travel and alcohol sales. The changes are as follows:
International travel:
– The 18 land borders which were partially operational, will be fully operational, and the 34 land borders which were closed, will remain closed.
– Travelling to and from the Republic is allowed, subject to subregulation
– All international travel will resume subject to the traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel
– In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveller will be required to quarantine him or herself at his or her own costs
– International air travel is restricted to the following airports: OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport
– Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend or teach at a school in the Republic and who are allowed entry into and exit from the Republic, subject to compliance with protocols relating to screening for COVID -19 and quarantine or isolation. where necessary; the wearing of a face mask; transportation; and sanitisation and social distancing measures as per the relevant health protocols on safety and prevention of the spread of COVID -19.
– All commercial seaports will be opened
– Small crafts will be allowed entry into seaports, in line with health and border law enforcement protocols
– The resumption of services for visa applications shall be determined in directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for home affairs
– The Cabinet member responsible for home affairs in consultation with the Cabinet members responsible for health and transport must develop International Travel Containment Protocols to be issued in directions, to ensure that entry into South African ports of entry will only be allowed subject to adherence to ensure COVID -19 positive travellers are not allowed into the Republic. ”
Alcohol sales:
– The sale of liquor by a licensed premises for off-site consumption, is permitted during licensed trading hours, subject to the laws governing such licenses
– The sale of liquor by a licensed premises for on-site consumption is permitted, subject to strict adherence to the curfew contemplated in regulation 66.
– Any person who fails to comply with or contravenes a provision of regulations 66. 72(1), 73(1). 76(3)(a) and 77(1)(b) of these Regulations commits an offence and is, on conviction. liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
Picture: Twitter / National CoGTA