IMPACT – HIGH

 South Africa will relax its national lockdown to level 1 on Sept. 20 and allow international travel beginning Oct. 1.

Key Points:

  • Effective Sept. 20 at midnight, gatherings of people will be allowed but the total number within a gathering must not be greater than 50% of a venue’s normal capacity. The maximum allowed for indoor gatherings will be 250, and for outdoor gatherings it will be 500. Social distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene must be practiced at social gatherings.
  • The total number of people allowed to attend funerals will be increased from 50 to 100. Night vigils are still prohibited.
  • The total number of people allowed to gather at venues for entertainment, recreation and exercise such as gyms and theatres will be increased from 50 to 50% of a venue’s capacity. Social distancing and other health protocols must be practiced at these venues. Sporting events remain restricted.
  • International travellers will be allowed to enter and exit South Africa beginning Oct. 1 under certain conditions, which are yet to be determined. International travel from certain high-risk countries may continue to remain restricted, but a list of countries have not been confirmed at this time. South African Missions abroad will start to open up in due course and the issuance of long-term visas will be re-instated.
  • International travel by air will only be allowed at King Shaka International Airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. International travel by land will be allowed only through a land border post that has been kept open during the lockdown.
  • International travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken not more than 72 hours from their time of departure. Such travellers who do not obtain this test result must enter mandatory quarantine and pay for it themselves when they arrive in South Africa.
  • All arriving travellers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Those who present symptoms must enter quarantine and have a second COVID-19 test performed.
  • All travellers are required to download and install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app.

Background: South Africa lowered its lockdown to level 2 Aug. 17.

Analysis & Comments: The relaxing of the lockdown and resumption of international travel will allow greater movement of people within, into and out of South Africa. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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