Latest Update From South Africa Regarding Covid-19 Restrictions:

South Africa is currently in “Lockdown Level 3” as we face a second wave of Covid-19 infections, as well as a new variant of the virus which appears to be more easily transmitted. This Lockdown will be in place until 15 February 2021 when the situation will be reviewed.
 
These are some of the restrictions currently in place on Level 3:

• Most indoor and outdoor gatherings will be banned including social gatherings, religious gatherings, political events, and gatherings at sports grounds.
• Funerals may not be attended by more than 50 people.
• The hours of curfew will begin at 9 pm and end at 5 am. Restaurants need to close by 8pm.
• It is compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public space, those who do not will face a fine and/or imprisonment.
• The sale of alcohol from retail outlets and the on-site consumption of alcohol is not permitted. This includes wine tastings at wine estates.
• All beaches, dams, lakes, rivers, public parks and public swimming pools in hotspot areas (certain districts in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, North West and Gauteng) will be closed.
• Botanical gardens, National Parks, and other parks where access control measures and entry limitations are in place may remain open to the public
• The 20 land ports of entry that are currently open will be closed until 15 February for general entry and departure.
• International travel to South Africa is still permitted via the 3 main airport – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, subject to the traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative Covid-19 test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.
• The UK, Israel and Saudi Arabia have currently banned flights from South Africa because of new COVID-19 variant.

In more positive news, South Africa’s vaccine strategy is well underway and the hope is to start with Phase 1, which will prioritise around 1.2 million front line health workers, next month – this is earlier than originally anticipated.

In the words of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, “We enter this year with a great deal of hope – hope that we will restore our nation to health, that the new year will bring our people relief and comfort, and that lives and livelihoods will be rebuilt.”