NATIONAL NEWS - Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has briefed the nation on the risk-based approach of moving the country to level 3 on 1 June.
Zuma stated that these efforts have been directed by consultations that were held with various sectors and constituencies in the country, including local government, traditional leaders, the religious sector, NEDLAC and the private sector.
South Africa’s state of national lockdown is set to continue until such time the country has managed to flatten the curve for a sustained period.
The following metros have been declared Covid-19 hotspots:
- Tshwane
- Johannesburg
- Ekurhuleni
- eThekwini
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Buffalo City
- Cape Town
Inter-district travel for areas that have not been declared Covid-19 hotspots
Areas that have not been declared hotspots will be allowed to move within the district and localities. Movement will be permitted only to and from work, as well as to buy or obtain available goods, services and receive medical attention. Movement between metropolitan areas, districts and hotspots is prohibited, except for persons travelling for purposes of starting work; moving to a new residence; or caring for an immediate family member, provided such persons have the relevant permits.
Inter-provincial/district travel for students
Given that schools will open in a phased approach, travel will also be opened between provinces and districts for learners, students and teaching staff.
Travel for funerals
At Level 3 inter-provincial travel will continue to be permitted for the purposes of attending funerals. Those permitted to travel are the legal spouses or partners of the deceased; children or grandchildren of the deceased, whether biological, adopted or stepchildren; children-in-law of the deceased; parents of the deceased whether biological, adopted or stepparents; siblings, whether biological, adopted or stepbrothers or sisters of the deceased; and/or grandparents of the deceased.
Zuma stated that experience has shown that funerals are high Covid-19 transmission vessels. Consequently, government will continue to limit the number of funeral attendees to 50.
“Recent experiences, particularly in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo, show that inter-provincial travel has contributed to community transmissions. Consequently, travel between our provinces remains prohibited with the exception of those in possession of permits to attend funerals or conduct essential services and level 3 functions in between provinces and districts.” Zuma said.
International travel
The Minister of Home Affairs will elaborate on the category of people allowed to undertake international travel under exceptional circumstances. These include those returning to work, study or to their residence here or abroad. This category of people will be expected to adhere to strict entry and exit protocols which include screening, quarantine or isolation, sanitisation, social distancing and the wearing of masks.
Domestic air travel
In order to ensure smooth movement of employees, and as a measure to carefully and gradually open the economy, Zuma stated that the Government will permit limited domestic air travel service.
“The Minister of Transport will soon announce these directions,” Zuma said.
