What's the government response timeline for South Africa?

Travellers screened at major airports, especially those travelling from destinations in Asia. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-01-28-coronavirus-travellers-screened-at-sa-airports/

5 March 2020 - South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the coronavirus will turn into a "national crisis" and its impact will be "huge". His warning came after the first case of the coronavirus was detected in South Africa. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-51752974 https://www.gov.za/Coronavirus

7th March- testing for first confirmed cases, and all those who returned to SA from Italy tested https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/07/confirmation-of-second-case-of-covid-19-in-south-africa/

7th March- tracing of all members of a group of 10 from Italy from which one tested positive. The public must be notified that we have information and know the whereabouts of all the other 10 people who were part of the group that had travelled to Italy. All those who came back to South Africa, are currently being tested. We are now awaiting their test results to come out. Since being traced, they have remained in isolation to avoid any further contact with third parties. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/07/confirmation-of-second-case-of-covid-19-in-south-africa/

10th March- All contacts of cases have been traced and are being tested. All contacts are currently under home based quarantine. These quarantine procedures are benchmarked against world standards for home based quarantine and are being strictly monitored by the contact tracing team. Going forward government led contact tracing aims to be comprehensive (Unsure whether this is successful in reality) https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/10/media-statement-10th-march-2020/

South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/17/travel-advisory-in-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/ https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/11/latest-confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-in-south-africa-11th-march/

President Cyril Ramaphosa in address to nation on March 15th: "We further discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air, rail, taxis and bus."; http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/press-statements/statement-president-cyril-ramaphosa-measures-combat-covid-19-epidemic. (Link not archivable); https://mg.co.za/article/2020-03-15-read-in-full-ramaphosas-statement-on-combating-covid-19/ /web/20200430103419/ https://www.gov.za/speeches/statement-president-cyril-ramaphosa-measures-combat-covid-19-epidemic-15-mar-2020-0000

"Gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited. Mass celebrations of upcoming national days such as Human Rights Day and other large government events will be cancelled," Ramaphosa said in a statement. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/15/statement-by-president-cyril-ramaphosa-on-measures-to-combat-covid-19-epidemic/ https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/south-africa-orders-schools-closed-as-covid-19-spreads/1767271

"Gatherings of more than 100 people will be prohibited. Mass celebrations of upcoming national days such as Human Rights Day and other large government events will be cancelled," Ramaphosa said in a statement. Guidelines prohibiting public gatherings of more than 100 people were put into place in response to the rapidly spreading coronavirus COVID-19. Gauteng Premier David Makhura has declared that residents of the province are required to inform their local police station before holding any gatherings, including funerals and weddings. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/15/statement-by-president-cyril-ramaphosa-on-measures-to-combat-covid-19-epidemic/ https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/south-africa-orders-schools-closed-as-covid-19-spreads/1767271 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/weekend-funerals-weddings-test-mass-gathering-ban/

15 March 2020 - President Cyril Ramaphosa announced schools will be closed from Wednesday, 18 March. /web/20200430103419/ https://www.gov.za/speeches/statement-president-cyril-ramaphosa-measures-combat-covid-19-epidemic-15-mar-2020-0000

We are imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China as from 18 March 2020. /web/20200430103419/ https://www.gov.za/speeches/statement-president-cyril-ramaphosa-measures-combat-covid-19-epidemic-15-mar-2020-0000

At this stage testing is only available to patients who have been assessed by their doctor or healthcare provider and determined to require a COVID-19 test. These patients must meet specific COVID-19 case criteria AND have been abroad OR been in contact with someone with COVID or respiratory illness symptoms https://www.discovery.co.za/corporate/covid19-testing-for-covid-19 https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/19/lockdown-faqs-and-covid-19-information/

South Africa's lockdown to prevent the spread of Coronavirus became effective from 26 March 2020 and was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in an address to the nation on 30 March 2020. All shops and businesses are to close, with the exemption of pharmacies, laboratories, banks, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, supermarkets, petrol stations and healthcare providers. Until 1st May when national coronavirus alert level will be lowered from level 5 to level 4 with effect from Friday the 1st of May. /web/20200430104131/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/south-africans-brace-21-day-lockdown-virus-cases-rise-200324073801136.html /web/20200430104023/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpmWE1hQ7jE /web/20200430104803/ https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-south-africas-response-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-23-apr-2020

Lockdown announced. "From midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16, all South Africans will have to stay at home" https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/south-africans-brace-21-day-lockdown-virus-cases-rise-200324073801136.html

Lockdown announced. "From midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16, all South Africans will have to stay at home". A wedding of 50 guests was stopped by police due to violating lockdown rules. Yes, funerals will be allowed to take place with the number of mourners restricted to 50. However, night vigils will be prohibited. https://www.newsweek.com/bride-groom-pastor-all-50-wedding-guests-arrested-violating-coronavirus-lockdown-1496399 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/south-africans-brace-21-day-lockdown-virus-cases-rise-200324073801136.html https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq

Significantly reduced. (2) Transportation of passengers by buses is prohibited except when the bus is used for purposes of fearing passengers rendering essential services. (1) All long- distance rail services, both public and private, must stop operations for the duration of the lockdown. (1) All long distance and inter-provincial services are prohibited for the duration of the lockdown. (1) A public transport sedan is limited to carrying not more than 50% of its permissible passenger carrying capacity. Effective from 30 March 2020 until Friday, 3 April 2020, buses and taxis will be permitted to operate from 05:00 until 20:00 in order to cater to the transportation needs of society’s most vulnerable https://www.gov.za/Coronavirus/travel

"From midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16, all South Africans will have to stay at home" https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/south-africans-brace-21-day-lockdown-virus-cases-rise-200324073801136.html

From midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on Thursday, April 16, all South Africans will have to stay at home. Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant. Can I travel to another province or district? No, movement between provinces is prohibited; and movement between the metropolitan and district areas, is prohibited. Are family members allowed to travel to other provinces to attend a funeral of a close family member? Certain individuals can move between provinces and, metropolitan and district areas for purposes of transporting a body for burial purposes if they obtain a permit. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/south-africans-brace-21-day-lockdown-virus-cases-rise-200324073801136.html https://www.gov.za/Coronavirus/travel https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq

Full lockdown All international and domestic flights are prohibited during the lockdown period https://sacoronavirus.co.za/2020/03/18/south-african-tourism-lockdown-faqs/ https://www.thesouthafrican.com/travel/what-flights-still-in-south-africa-lockdown-flight-map/

The interviewee in the first article listed below has stated that the process of tracing has been difficult, but communities throughout South Africa have been responding very well. At airports officials continue to use thermal screening on all passengers entering South Africa, with those passengers identified as potentially infected at the airport then channelled to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases for further testing, the company said. All passengers are also asked to complete a questionnaire before landing to assist with detection and tracing of potential infections from high-risk areas. https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/explainer-what-is-covid-19-contact-tracing-and-how-does-it-work-we-ask-an-expert-20200403 https://www.fin24.com/Companies/TravelAndLeisure/sa-airports-hospitality-industry-step-up-coronavirus-response-20200317

South Africa is in the throes of a mass testing campaign, with plans to increase its surveillance. Its large health research and disease-tracing machinery, honed by years of coping with its HIV epidemic, has swung into action, driving testing and surveillance. In the face of increasing local transmission—and the threat of Covid-19 spreading to the majority of the country, who are not able to afford private healthcare or testing—the National Health Laboratory Service has said that by the end of April, it will be able to process approximately 36,000 tests in 24 hours. https://qz.com/africa/1832066/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-in-south-africa-leads-continent/

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that government will direct R50 billion towards grants, in which child grant recipients will receive R300 in May and R500 in June. https://ewn.co.za/2020/04/21/watch-live-ramaphosa-says-r50bn-allocated-towards-grant-recepeints South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 500 billion rand ($26.3 billion USD) rescue package, equivalent to 10% of the GDP of Africa’s most industrialised nation, to try to cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus pandemic. The package will target large increases in existing welfare grants, funds for protecting jobs. Additionally, 200 billion rand ($10 billion USD) in loan guarantees in partnership with the central bank of South Africa, finance ministry and commercial banks, and tax deferral for firms with more than 100 million rand turnover. https://www.ft.com/content/e07b70bd-71ae-4b8a-9855-09665330fed9 He is addressing the nation on Tuesday night on additional economic and social relief measures that form part of the national response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. All the other recipients will receive R260 extra for the next six months The unemployed, with no source of income, will receive a monthly stipend of R350 for the next six months. Ramaphosa said Sassa will be distributing food through the provision of vouchers for the vulnerable for the poor.

200 billion rand ($10 billion USD) in loan guarantees in partnership with the central bank of South Africa, finance ministry and commercial banks, and tax deferral for firms with more than 100 million rand turnover. https://www.ft.com/content/e07b70bd-71ae-4b8a-9855-09665330fed9

2 May 2020 Minister Zweli Mkhize urged all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as the country moves through the stages of the gradual lifting of lockdown. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-zweli-mkhize-confirms-total-6-336-cases-coronavirus-covid-19-2-may-2020-0000 1 May 2020 The South African School Calendar for 2020 is adjusted as follows; (1) Office-based staff to return to work on 4th May 2020. This is in line with the directive from the Department of Public Service and Administration. (2) School Management Teams should return to work on the 11th May 2020. This, we have done to ensure that the School Management Teams prepare the schools prior to return of learners. (3) Teachers return to work on 18 May 2020 and then (4) Grade 12 and 7 learners go back to school on the 1st of June 2020. https://www.gov.za/about-sa/school-calendar

In an address to the nation, Cyril Ramaphosa said they decided that lockdown restrictions will be eased after April 30. "We should begin a gradual and phased recovery of economic activity." The South African government implemented 'Alert level 4" on 1 May 2020. Under the new guidance only essential workers have been allowed to go to work or leave their homes. Others can only leave to go to hospitals, clinics or shop for food. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq 1 May 2020 A five level “alert system” would enable President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration to gradually reopen sectors with a low risk of Covid-19 transmission, where the economic impact of a prolonged shutdown would be particularly severe. The South African government announced that from 1 May 2020 alert level 4 will be in effect. Level five alert - continue the current lockdown, with only essential services open and a ban on moving across provinces. Level four alert - opencast mining pits could reopen and underground mines could operate a half capacity. Level three alert - online food delivery and the sale of alcohol at limited times would be permitted. Level two and level one - most and then all sectors reopen with free movement between provinces restored. https://www.ft.com/content/3d7a9cc6-d4d3-4c20-b271-7bca58ebf6b3 (cannot be archived) 2 May 2020 Minister Zweli Mkhize urged all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as the country moves through the stages of the gradual lifting of lockdown. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-zweli-mkhize-confirms-total-6-336-cases-coronavirus-covid-19-2-may-2020-0000

7 May 2020 Movement between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts are prohibited except- (a) for workers who have a permit to perform an essential or permitted service who have to commute to and from work on a daily basis; (b) the attendance of a funeral, as allowed; (c) the transportation of mortal remains; and (d) for learners who have to commute to and from school or higher education institutions on a daily basis during periods when those institutions are permitted to operate. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq 2 May 2020 Minister Zweli Mkhize urged all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as the country moves through the stages of the gradual lifting of lockdown. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-zweli-mkhize-confirms-total-6-336-cases-coronavirus-covid-19-2-may-2020-0000 1 May 2020 In an address to the nation, Cyril Ramaphosa said they decided that lockdown restrictions will be eased after April 30. "We should begin a gradual and phased recovery of economic activity." The South African government implemented 'Alert level 4" on 1 May 2020. Under the new guidance only essential workers have been allowed to go to work or leave their homes. Others can only leave to go to hospitals, clinics or shop for food. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq Level five alert - continue the current lockdown, with only essential services open and a ban on moving across provinces. Level four alert - opencast mining pits could reopen and underground mines could operate a half capacity. Level three alert - online food delivery and the sale of alcohol at limited times would be permitted. Level two and level one - most and then all sectors reopen with free movement between provinces restored. https://www.ft.com/content/3d7a9cc6-d4d3-4c20-b271-7bca58ebf6b3 (cannot be archived)

7 May 2020 Movement between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts are prohibited except- (a) for workers who have a permit to perform an essential or permitted service who have to commute to and from work on a daily basis; (b) the attendance of a funeral, as allowed; (c) the transportation of mortal remains; and (d) for learners who have to commute to and from school or higher education institutions on a daily basis during periods when those institutions are permitted to operate. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq 2 May 2020 Minister Zweli Mkhize urged all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as the country moves through the stages of the gradual lifting of lockdown. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-zweli-mkhize-confirms-total-6-336-cases-coronavirus-covid-19-2-may-2020-0000 1 May 2020 In an address to the nation, Cyril Ramaphosa said they decided that lockdown restrictions will be eased after April 30. "We should begin a gradual and phased recovery of economic activity." The South African government implemented 'Alert level 4" on 1 May 2020. Under the new guidance only essential workers have been allowed to go to work or leave their homes. Others can only leave to go to hospitals, clinics or shop for food. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq Level five alert - continue the current lockdown, with only essential services open and a ban on moving across provinces. Level four alert - opencast mining pits could reopen and underground mines could operate a half capacity. Level three alert - online food delivery and the sale of alcohol at limited times would be permitted. Level two and level one - most and then all sectors reopen with free movement between provinces restored. https://www.ft.com/content/3d7a9cc6-d4d3-4c20-b271-7bca58ebf6b3 (cannot be archived) 1 May 2020 The South African School Calendar for 2020 is adjusted as follows; (1) Office-based staff to return to work on 4th May 2020. This is in line with the directive from the Department of Public Service and Administration. (2) School Management Teams should return to work on the 11th May 2020. This, we have done to ensure that the School Management Teams prepare the schools prior to return of learners. (3) Teachers return to work on 18 May 2020 and then (4) Grade 12 and 7 learners go back to school on the 1st of June 2020. https://www.gov.za/about-sa/school-calendar

7 May 2020 Movement between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts are prohibited except- (a) for workers who have a permit to perform an essential or permitted service who have to commute to and from work on a daily basis; (b) the attendance of a funeral, as allowed; (c) the transportation of mortal remains; and (d) for learners who have to commute to and from school or higher education institutions on a daily basis during periods when those institutions are permitted to operate. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq 2 May 2020 Minister Zweli Mkhize urged all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as the country moves through the stages of the gradual lifting of lockdown. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-zweli-mkhize-confirms-total-6-336-cases-coronavirus-covid-19-2-may-2020-0000 1 May 2020 In an address to the nation, Cyril Ramaphosa said they decided that lockdown restrictions will be eased after April 30. "We should begin a gradual and phased recovery of economic activity." The South African government implemented 'Alert level 4" on 1 May 2020. Under the new guidance only essential workers have been allowed to go to work or leave their homes. Others can only leave to go to hospitals, clinics or shop for food. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq Level five alert - continue the current lockdown, with only essential services open and a ban on moving across provinces. Level four alert - opencast mining pits could reopen and underground mines could operate a half capacity. Level three alert - online food delivery and the sale of alcohol at limited times would be permitted. Level two and level one - most and then all sectors reopen with free movement between provinces restored. https://www.ft.com/content/3d7a9cc6-d4d3-4c20-b271-7bca58ebf6b3 (cannot be archived) 1 May 2020 The South African School Calendar for 2020 is adjusted as follows; (1) Office-based staff to return to work on 4th May 2020. This is in line with the directive from the Department of Public Service and Administration. (2) School Management Teams should return to work on the 11th May 2020. This, we have done to ensure that the School Management Teams prepare the schools prior to return of learners. (3) Teachers return to work on 18 May 2020 and then (4) Grade 12 and 7 learners go back to school on the 1st of June 2020. https://www.gov.za/about-sa/school-calendar

Minister Fikile Mbalula: Coronavirus COVID-19 Alert Level 4 transport directions on 1 May 2020 Maritime The ban on passenger vessels and cruise liners remains in place, and only vessels bringing in cargo are allowed to call on our ports. However, we will allow the movement of cargo from our sea-ports to either warehouses or final destinations as provided for in the current rules. AVIATION The ban on both domestic and international passenger flights remains in place. Due consideration will be given to the mining and agricultural sector to allow limited movement of aircrafts, either to transport essential workers by chartered aircrafts or to spray pesticides on crops. RAIL With the gradual resumption of economic activity in certain sectors and permitted movement of freight, we will allow the full resumption of freight rail. Commuter rail will resume operations gradually on an incremental basis, based on the detailed plans submitted by the passenger rail operators. PRASA will similarly adopt a gradual re-introduction of its services based on its capacity to manage crowds, implement effective social distancing and implement other mitigation measures that include cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, trains and stations. Cross-Border road passenger movement remains prohibited. Only essential cargo will be allowed to move across land borders. Travel between Provinces, Metropolitan areas and Districts is prohibited, with concessions made for workers who have to commute to and from work on a daily basis, attendance of funerals and transportation of mortal remains. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-fikile-mbalula-coronavirus-covid-19-alert-level-4-transport-directions-1-may-2020

South Africa’s mass screening helps stem the coronavirus tide https://www.ft.com/content/98d0d7c6-9bfb-4a64-bcab-19e0854a3b4d

South Africa’s mass screening helps stem the coronavirus tide? Community screening cannot identify asymptomatic cases. But it can point to emerging clusters, and help later contact tracing to find asymptomatic carriers, health experts said. https://www.ft.com/content/98d0d7c6-9bfb-4a64-bcab-19e0854a3b4d

7 May 2020 Movement between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts are prohibited except- (a) for workers who have a permit to perform an essential or permitted service who have to commute to and from work on a daily basis; (b) the attendance of a funeral, as allowed; (c) the transportation of mortal remains; and (d) for learners who have to commute to and from school or higher education institutions on a daily basis during periods when those institutions are permitted to operate. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq 2 May 2020 Minister Zweli Mkhize urged all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as the country moves through the stages of the gradual lifting of lockdown. https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-zweli-mkhize-confirms-total-6-336-cases-coronavirus-covid-19-2-may-2020-0000 1 May 2020 In an address to the nation, Cyril Ramaphosa said they decided that lockdown restrictions will be eased after April 30. "We should begin a gradual and phased recovery of economic activity." The South African government implemented 'Alert level 4" on 1 May 2020. Under the new guidance only essential workers have been allowed to go to work or leave their homes. Others can only leave to go to hospitals, clinics or shop for food. https://www.gov.za/coronavirus/faq Level five alert - continue the current lockdown, with only essential services open and a ban on moving across provinces. Level four alert - opencast mining pits could reopen and underground mines could operate a half capacity. Level three alert - online food delivery and the sale of alcohol at limited times would be permitted. Level two and level one - most and then all sectors reopen with free movement between provinces restored. https://www.ft.com/content/3d7a9cc6-d4d3-4c20-b271-7bca58ebf6b3 (cannot be archived) 1 May 2020 The South African School Calendar for 2020 is adjusted as follows; (1) Office-based staff to return to work on 4th May 2020. This is in line with the directive from the Department of Public Service and Administration. (2) School Management Teams should return to work on the 11th May 2020. This, we have done to ensure that the School Management Teams prepare the schools prior to return of learners. (3) Teachers return to work on 18 May 2020 and then (4) Grade 12 and 7 learners go back to school on the 1st of June 2020. https://www.gov.za/about-sa/school-calendar

The South African government announced that it will re-open worship places from the first of June onwards, with a limitation of 50 people. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-safrica/south-africa-to-let-places-of-worship-reopen-from-june-idUSKBN2322TI

Schools are still closed, although South Africa will reopen schools from the 8th of June. https://www.nation.co.ke/dailynation/news/africa/south-africa-ready-to-reopen-schools-549016

Under level three regulations, certain sectors are allowed to start working. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28 https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/finance/who-can-work-level-4-lockdown-industries-reopening-this-week/

South Africa is under level 3 lockdown measures. All public events are prohibited https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

Under level 3 COVID19 lockdown measures, all gatherings are prohibited. The exception are religious events and funerals. These are not allowed to have more than 50 people in attendance https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

Public transport is allowed to restart although there are strict measures for hygiene and social distancing. The maximum number of people using a particular mode of transport at one time has been reduced. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

During level three restrictions, the movement of persons between provinces is prohibited. It is still recommended that people stay at home. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

During level three COVID-19 lockdown procedures, all borders remain closed. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

There is a cash transfer program and a relief program for persons who are below a particular income threshold, or persons who are unemployed https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

The government has put in place a loan guarantee scheme for companies below a certain turnover. The government also announced measures for relief for borrowers from banks https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There is a coordinated public information campaign https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

The covid-19 testing centres have been expanded. Screening for employees is intensified and there will be covid-19 testing where necesary. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/coronavirus/south-africa%E2%80%99s-covid-19-testing-capacity-increased-60-new-mobile-lab-units-launched https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

The screening capacity is intensified and contact tracing can be assumed to be comprehensive as all contact details of persons are collected at different points. ht https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/coronavirus/south-africa%E2%80%99s-covid-19-testing-capacity-increased-60-new-mobile-lab-units-launched

Level 3 started at Jun 1st. While people are able to go to work in several industries, people are recommended to stay at home and work from home where possible. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

Schools have reopened as of June 8th under lock down level 3 for Grade 7 and matric (grade 12) learners. others expected to return July and August. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/south-africa-teachers-voice-concern-as-schools-reopen/1952118

lock down level 3 still does not allow internal movement between provinces except for workers

According to the UK FCO, All ‘non-essential domestic travel’ continues to be discouraged. Internal flights are now allowed, although air travel for recreational, leisure or tourism purposes is prohibited. http://archive.today/Do3u9

Students in grades 6 and 11 are starting classes Monday, as the second stage of a phased reopening of schools. The first group of pupils, from grades 7 and 12, returned to classes last month. Returning learners were required to produce indemnity forms signed by their parents granting them permission to resume classes. However, in recent days the government has postponed plans for further grades to return to class amid a quickening speed in the rise of confirmed COVID-19 cases. South Africa has 196,750 cases as of Monday, more than 40% of all the cases reported by Africa's 54 countries. South Africa has recorded 3,199 deaths. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-07-south-africa-phase-reopening-schools.html

Under level three regulations, many businesses are allowed to reopen; however, businesses like gyms, nightclubs, and fitness centers, are to remain closed: https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

Under level 3, public events still prohibited with some exceptions "All gatherings are prohibited except a gathering at- (a) a faith-based institution, which is limited to 50 persons or less, depending on the size of the place of worship: Provided that all health protocols and social distancing measures are being adhered to as provided for in directions that must be issued by the Cabinet member responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs; (b) a funeral, subject to regulation 35; (c) a workplace for work purposes; (d) conferences and meetings which is subject to- (i) a limitation of 50 persons, excluding those who participate through electronic platforms; (ii) restricted to business purposes; and (iii) strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures as provided for in directions that must be issued by the responsible Cabinet member, after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health; (e) cinemas, subject to- (i) a limitation of 50 persons or less" https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

Under level 3, public events still prohibited with some exceptions "All gatherings are prohibited except a gathering at- (a) a faith-based institution, which is limited to 50 persons or less, depending on the size of the place of worship: Provided that all health protocols and social distancing measures are being adhered to as provided for in directions that must be issued by the Cabinet member responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs; (b) a funeral, subject to regulation 35; (c) a workplace for work purposes; (d) conferences and meetings which is subject to- (i) a limitation of 50 persons, excluding those who participate through electronic platforms; (ii) restricted to business purposes; and (iii) strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures as provided for in directions that must be issued by the responsible Cabinet member, after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health; (e) cinemas, subject to- (i) a limitation of 50 persons or less" https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

(1) The Cabinet member responsible for transport must, after consultation with the Cabinet members responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, health, police, trade, industry and competition, and justice and correctional services, issue directions for the resumption of different modes of public transport to cater for the gradual return to work of people, in respect of- (a) domestic air travel; (b) rail, bus services, taxi services; (c) e-hailing services; and (d) private vehicles. (2) The directions to be issued by the Cabinet member responsible for transport must set out the health protocols that must be adhered to and steps to be followed for the limitation of the exposure of members of the public using public transport to COVID-19. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

Per level 3, people are allowed to go to work and use public transit but are instructed to work from home if they are able to. "33. (1) A person may leave his or her place of residence to- (a) perform any service, as permitted under Alert Level 3; (b) travel to and from work; (c) buy goods or obtain services, as permitted under Alert Level 3; (d) move children, as allowed; (e) exercise between the hours of 06h00 to 18h00: Provided that the exercise is not done in organised groups of more than four people and adheres to health protocols and social distancing measures; (f) attend a place of worship in the same or another metropolitan area or district within the same province; (g) attend a school or learning institution, once these are opened; and (h) travel for leisure purposes as allowed under Alert Level 3." https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

"'Movement of persons between provinces is prohibited, except for- (a) persons doing so in the course of carrying out work responsibilities or performing any service permitted under Alert Level 3, provided that such person is in possession of a permit issued by the employer which corresponds with Form 2 of Annexure A; (b) persons travelling for purposes of- (i) moving to a new place of residence; or (ii) caring for an immediate family member: Provided that such person is in possession of an affidavit which corresponds with Form 6 of Annexure A; (c) members of Parliament performing oversight responsibilities; (d) learners or students referred to in regulation 34(5) who have to commute to and from those schools or institutions of higher learning during periods when those schools or institutions are permitted to operate; (e) the attendance of funerals as provided for in regulation 35; (f) the transportation of mortal remains; (g) obtaining medical treatment; (h) persons who are returning to their place of residence from a quarantine or isolation facility; or (i) any movement permitted under regulation 41." https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

"During the national state of disaster all borders of the Republic must be closed, except for ports of entry designated by the Cabinet member responsible for home affairs" https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that government will direct R50 billion towards grants, in which child grant recipients will receive R300 in May and R500 in June. https://ewn.co.za/2020/04/21/watch-live-ramaphosa-says-r50bn-allocated-towards-grant-recepeints South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 500 billion rand ($26.3 billion USD) rescue package, equivalent to 10% of the GDP of Africa’s most industrialised nation, to try to cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus pandemic. The package will target large increases in existing welfare grants, funds for protecting jobs. Additionally, 200 billion rand ($10 billion USD) in loan guarantees in partnership with the central bank of South Africa, finance ministry and commercial banks, and tax deferral for firms with more than 100 million rand turnover. https://www.ft.com/content/e07b70bd-71ae-4b8a-9855-09665330fed9 He is addressing the nation on Tuesday night on additional economic and social relief measures that form part of the national response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. All the other recipients will receive R260 extra for the next six months The unemployed, with no source of income, will receive a monthly stipend of R350 for the next six months. Ramaphosa said Sassa will be distributing food through the provision of vouchers for the vulnerable for the poor.

The government has put in place a loan guarantee scheme for companies below a certain turnover. The government also announced measures for relief for borrowers from banks https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

There is a coordinated public information campaign https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

The covid-19 testing centres have been expanded. Screening for employees is intensified and there will be covid-19 testing where necesary. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/coronavirus/south-africa%E2%80%99s-covid-19-testing-capacity-increased-60-new-mobile-lab-units-launched https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

The screening capacity is intensified and contact tracing can be assumed to be comprehensive as all contact details of persons are collected at different points. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/coronavirus/south-africa%E2%80%99s-covid-19-testing-capacity-increased-60-new-mobile-lab-units-launched https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-alert-level-3-during-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-28

On July 12th, amidst rising COVID cases, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the country would remain at level 3 lockdown but would reinstate nightime curfews. Source https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-safrica/south-africa-reimposes-alcohol-ban-curfew-as-coronavirus-cases-spike-idUSKCN24D0QU

Cabinet meets to make a final decision about whether schools will be closed until the end of the COVID-19 peak in the country. Teacher unions met with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Tuesday again to relay their concerns and pleaded with government to shut schools to protect pupils and teachers from contracting the virus. https://ewn.co.za/2020/07/23/cabinet-expected-to-make-final-decision-on-closing-schools-today

FURTHER EXTENSION OF A NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER (COVID -19) I, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, as designated under Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) ( "the Act "), in terms of section 27(5)(c) of the Act, hereby further extends the national state of disaster that I declared on 15 March 2020 by Government Notice 313, published in Government Gazette 43096, to 15 August 2020, taking into account the need to continue augmenting the existing legislation and contingency arrangements undertaken by organs of state to address the impact of the disaster. https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202007/43524gon765.pdf

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As of August 18th level 2 restrictions are in place. Things like retail stores and other businesses can open, while others like nightclubs still remain closed. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/ Announcement of transition to level 2: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202008/43620gon891s_0.pdf

Public events and gatherings are prohibited under level 2 restrictions. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/

All public gatherings are prohibited under level 2 restrictions. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/

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Under level 2 restrictions it is required to say home unless you have essential work or to purchase goods. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/

Interprovincial travel is permitted under the level 2 restrictions as of August 18th. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/

Border is not open apart for South Africans returning home and foreign nationals leaving South Africa. https://sacoronavirus.co.za/covid-19-risk-adjusted-strategy/