South Africa is now ready to welcome the world.
Exactly half a year ago, a national state of disaster was declared by the government to fight the spread of COVID-19. It has been a stressful time comprising of elevated levels of social isolation, hunger, criminal activity, panic buying, fake news, looting, protesting, businesses slowing down, and the unforeseen loss of important people.
Level 1 Lockdown has relaxed rules and regulations that come with the reopening of international airports.
Increased gathering capacity:
- 250 people allowed at indoor events;
- 500 people allowed at outdoor events;
- Physical exercise, recreation and entertainment venues allowed to operate at 50% capacity;
- Sports restrictions still as at Level 3; and
- 100 people are allowed at funerals.
Eased travel restrictions:
- International travel will be eased in gradually as of 1 October;
- Limited amount of countries can be visited based on their risk levels;
- Only OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International airports will be operational for international flights;
- A negative COVID-19 test result (no older than 72 hours) must be presented at airports;
- Mandatory quarantine for travellers who have no proof of testing for COVID-19;
- International tourists allowed to travel in but required to be screened first; and
- All travellers are required to use country’s COVID-19 alert app.
Other changes:
- The curfew remains in place, effective daily between midnight and 4 am;
- Alcohol consumption permitted in licensed venues;
- Alcohol sales permitted from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm;
- The UIF relief benefit remains in place until the end of the national state of disaster; and
- All long-term visas will be reinstated.