Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize provided clarity on key level 1 lockdown regulations related to travelling and self-quarantining.
In a written parliamentary Q&A to the Democratic Alliance, the minister explained that those who cannot self-quarantine at home, but cannot afford the government quarantine facilities at hotels. will be directed to a state-run facility free-of-charge, reports Business Tech.
With regards to international travel, Mkhize says that those going overseas who cannot access COVID-19 testing while abroad will need to quarantine at a designated facility for 10 days or alternatively do a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test immediately upon entry into the country. Once the results are available, such person is able to apply for early release from quarantine. The period for this process can be between 24 to 72 hours.
“Under South Africa’s level 1 lockdown rules, travellers will be screened for any Covid-19 symptoms and will also be screened for contact with people who have been in contact with others who could have had Covid-19,” said Mkhize.
“Travellers will also need to provide proof of accommodation addresses in case they need to self-isolate. International travel around the world has been severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Those who are found to have Covid-19 after entering the country will be required to isolate for 10 days at their own cost.”
Persons returning into the country are required to produce negative PCR tests which are not older than 72 hours from date of travel.
Those wanting to travel out the country must refer to the Department of Home Affairs updated list of high-risk countries, and remember that leisure travellers from high-risk countries will not be permitted. Only business travellers with scarce and critical skills including diplomats, repatriated persons, investors and people participating in professional sporting and events are exempt from this.
As of October 19, the updated list features 22 countries on the red list, down from the previous 60. These are: Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, USA.
Picture: Twitter / Zweli Mkhize
