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The government has updated its Covid-19 rules related to travel and isolation under South Africa’s level 1 lockdown.
In a series of bulletins published on Thursday (December 3), the Department of Health and the Department and Transportation outlined updated rules for entering and leaving the country, required tests, and quarantine periods.
The government has also extended the validity date to driver’s licenses that expired during the lockout period.
You can find the key changes described in more detail below.
People leaving the country
- A person leaving the country through a point of entry must undergo an examination, including the completion of a traveler’s health questionnaire;
- A person who, during the evaluation, has been exposed to Covid-19 or exhibits any signs and symptoms of Covid-19 should undergo a medical examination which may include tests;
- Based on the result of this medical examination, the Director General of Health or any delegated person can make a decision on whether or not the person can leave the country;
- People who have contracted Covid-19 according to the tests must be subjected to mandatory isolation or hospitalization;
- Individuals placed in isolation may be allowed to self-isolate in their own private residence if they meet the prescribed criteria.
People entering the country
- A person entering the republic must undergo an examination upon arrival at the point of entry, including the completion of a traveler’s health questionnaire;
- A person who, during the evaluation, has been exposed to Covid-19 or presents any signs and symptoms of Covid-19, must undergo a medical examination that may include tests and isolation;
- A person entering the republic must, upon arrival at the point of entry, provide the port health officer with the following: a completed Traveler’s Health Questionnaire; and a valid negative result of the Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, not greater than 72 hours from the date of departure from the country of origin;
- A person who is not in possession of a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result will be subjected to an antigen test at the point of entry and may be quarantined in an approved facility at their own expense;
- A person under quarantine must, upon arrival at the point of entry, complete and sign a written statement agreeing to comply with the quarantine requirements; (b) be responsible for all costs related to testing, quarantine, and transportation;
- People entering the Republic are encouraged to install the Covid Alert SA mobile application on their mobile phones;
- A person who experiences any signs and symptoms compatible with Covid-19 while in the country, should seek medical attention and inform the doctor of their travel history;
- The bulletin makes a special dispensation for airline crews, commuters, cargo operators, medical personnel, and children.
Cost of quarantine
The gazette establishes that a traveler who enters the republic or his employer must bear the cost of quarantine and isolation.
- The employer must bear the costs of quarantine and isolation of the airline crew and cross-border cargo operators;
- Employers wishing to have their employees in quarantine or isolation facilities of their choice must pay all costs incurred;
- Tracking and testing of travelers in quarantine or isolation facilities remains the responsibility of the traveler or the employer.
Self-quarantine and self-isolation
The 10-day period of quarantine and isolation applies to people:
- Enter the country without valid (health documentation) that are subject to quarantine;
- Those who, upon entering, have been evaluated and found to be positive for Covid-19 or are suspected of having contracted Covid-19;
- Those who are within the Republic and have to be quarantined, either for suspicion of having contracted Covid-19 or for having been in contact with a person who is a carrier of Covid-19, or isolated because they are confirmed as clinical or from laboratory. cases of having contracted Covid.
Repeat the test
It is not necessary to repeat the test for a person to disintegrate. A close contact with a positive result (symptomatic or asymptomatic) should be treated as a confirmed case of Covid-19.
If testing cannot be done, a symptomatic close contact should be isolated and treated as a probable case of Covid-19.
Masks and other travel requirements.
- A passenger is required to wear a mask at all times, he can only remove a mask during an emergency or when instructed to remove it by the cabin crew and must observe social distancing, wash hands and disinfect regularly;
- A child under the age of five may be exempt from wearing a mask;
- A passenger who is unable to wear a mask due to an underlying medical condition, must present a medical certificate from a registered physician to the operator prior to departure
- The flight deck crew must wear masks for boarding and disembarking;
- A “passport of immunity”, “certificate without risk” or “passport immunity” with respect to Covid-19 is not acceptable;
- An (airline) operator may provide catering on board the aircraft as long as it takes all risk mitigation, health and safety measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, including the provision of prepackaged meals.
Airports
Regular international operations and charter flights carrying passengers are allowed at the following airports:
- OR Tambo International Airport;
- King Shaka International Airport;
- Cape Town International Airport.
Domestic passenger flights are allowed at the following domestic airports, as approved:
- Bram Fischer International Airport;
- Cape Town International Airport;
- East London;
- George Airport;
- Hoedspruit Airport;
- Kimberly Airport;
- King Shaka International Airport;
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport;
- Lanseria International Airport;
- Margate Airport;
- Mthatha Airport;
- OR Tambo International Airport;
- Phalaborwa Airport;
- Pietermaritzburg Airport;
- Pilanesburg Airport;
- Plettenberg Bay Airport;
- Polokwane Airport;
- Port Elizabeth International Airport;
- Richards Bay Airport;
- Sishen Airport;
- Skukuza Airport;
- Upington International Airport.
Read: Ramaphosa will address the nation tonight on the Covid-19 pandemic
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