President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday announced the end of the National State of Disaster – imposed 750 days ago to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
During that period, the virus left more than 100 000 dead in its wake.
“What this means is that all regulations and directions made in terms of the Disaster Management Act following the declaration of the national state of disaster in response to Covid-19 are repealed with effect from midnight tonight,” said Ramaphosa.
The president, however, said there would be a few transitional measures that would automatically lapse after 30 days.
“We will still be required to wear a face mask in an indoor public space,” said Ramaphosa.
A mask is not required when outdoors.
The president said the existing restrictions on gatherings will continue as a transitional measure.
“This means that both indoor and outdoor venues can take up to 50 percent of their capacity without any maximum limit, provided that proof of vaccination or a Covid test not older than 72 hours is required for entrance to the venue.,” said Ramaphosa.
“Where there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a Covid test, then the current upper limit of 1 000 people indoors and 2 000 people outdoors will remain.”
The existing provisions for international travel remain in place.
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.
The president said the directions that provide for the payment of the special R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant will remain in place.
“This will enable the Department of Social Development to finalise the regulations that will allow the payment of the grant to continue,” explained Ramaphosa.
He 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.
“All other disaster regulations will fall away at midnight tonight,” said Ramaphosa.
“These include regulations on isolation of persons, on schools and access to old age homes, on public transport, on initiation practices, on cargo transportation, and on criminalisation of non-adherence to these rules.”
The president warned Covid-19 was not over and he reiterated that vaccinations were still the best protection against the virus.
The Covid-19 Vaccine Injury No-Fault Compensation Scheme, which is administered by the Department of Health, will continue.
