SA Gov
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the National State of Disaster declared on 15 March 2020 to fight the Covid19 pandemic will end at midnight on Monday.
He said going forward the pandemic would be managed in terms of the National Health Act and South Africans have 30 days to comment on the Draft regulations that had been published in the government gazette.
In an address to the nation on Monday night, President Ramaphosa said the National State of Disaster had “empowered government to take the measures that prevented many more people from becoming severely ill and saved countless lives."
He said once the period for public comment closes on the 16th of April, and the public comments have been considered, the new regulations will be finalised and promulgated.
Ramaphosa said the National State of Disaster also enabled the provision of relief to small businesses, the extension of the validity of vehicle and drivers’ licences, and the management of the pandemic in educational institutions, among other things.
"The National State of Disaster also provided the legal basis for the introduction of the special R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant, which continues to bring much-needed relief to those most affected by the pandemic,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa said that during this period a few transitional measures will remain in place but will automatically lapse after 30 days.
These include that face masks must be worn in indoor public spaces; gatherings are allowed at 50% of capacity with proof of vaccination or negative test; and without proof of vaccine or negative test, the upper limit of 1000 indoors and 2000 outdoors will apply.
The existing provisions with respect to international travel remain in place, meaning that travellers entering South Africa will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.
"If a traveller does not submit a vaccine certificate or proof of a negative COVID-19 test, they will be required to do an antigen test on arrival."
"If they test positive for COVID-19, they will need to isolate for 10 days," Ramaphosa said.
The President said the provision related to the payment of the special R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant will remain in place and enables the Department of Social Development to finalise the regulations that will allow the payment of the grant to continue.
Ramaphosa said directions that provide for the extension of the validity of a learner’s licence, driving licence card, licence disc, professional driving permit and registration of a motor vehicle will remain in place.
