The pandemic will be managed in terms of the National Health Act and draft health regulations have been published for public comment
My fellow South Africans,This is an extraordinary situation that is unprecedented in our country’s history. The declaration of a state of disaster was a response to a global health crisis that posed a grave threat to the lives and the wellbeing of our people.The declaration of the state of disaster on March 15 2020 empowered government to take the measures that prevented many more people from becoming severely ill and saved countless lives.
This is precisely the purpose for which a state of disaster is intended: to enable an effective disaster response that saves lives. However, in the context of a free and open democratic society, the additional powers that a state of disaster provides are temporary and limited. This is part of a downward trend that is enabling us to return to normality in public health facilities. This shows that while the virus continues to circulate, it is not causing the same levels of severe illness that requires hospitalisation or the same number of deaths. While the pandemic is not over, and while the virus remains among us, these conditions no longer require that we remain in a national state of disaster.
Accordingly, certain transitional provisions will remain in place for a period of 30 days after the termination of the national state of disaster to ensure essential public health precautions and other necessary services are not interrupted while the new regulations in terms of the National Health Act come into effect.
Thirdly, the existing provisions with respect to international travel remain in place. This means that travellers entering SA 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.Fourthly, the directions that provide for the payment of the special R350 Social Relief of Distress grant will remain in place.
They also ensure that people can continue to receive their special R350 Social Relief of Distress grant and that there is no interruption regarding drivers’ licences. As I have explained, these are transitional measures which will lapse after 30 days. This will allow the management of the pandemic to be dealt with, as appropriate, by the Health Regulations or other provisions.
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