Covid-19: South Africa has introduced changes to its Adjusted Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations!

South Africa implemented a five-level Covid-19 alert system in April 2020 to manage the gradual easing of the nationwide lockdown, which was introduced on 27 March 2020. This risk-adjusted approach is guided by several criteria, including the level of infections and rate of transmission, the capacity of health facilities, the extent of the implementation of public health interventions and the economic and social impact of continued restrictions. South Africa is currently on Adjusted Alert Level 1 (since 01 October 2022). The Cabinet of South Africa yesterday (31 January 2022) approved changes to the Adjusted Alert Level 1 Covid-19 regulations. This follows meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) which received updates on the management of Covid-19 in South Africa. Based on the trajectory of the pandemic and the levels of vaccination in the country, the Cabinet has decided to make the following changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 with immediate effect: 

• Those who test positive with no symptoms do not have to isolate.  
• If you test positive with symptoms, the isolation period has been reduced from 10 to 7 days.
• Contacts do not have to isolate unless they develop symptoms.  

The Cabinet of South Africa also reviewed the resumption of schooling to full-time learning in all schools. Primary, secondary and special schools will return to daily attendance. The regulatory provision for social distancing of 1 meter for learners in schools has also been removed.

Covid-19: South Africa has introduced changes to its Adjusted Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations!

South Africa implemented a five-level Covid-19 alert system in April 2020 to manage the gradual easing of the nationwide lockdown, which was introduced on 27 March 2020. This risk-adjusted approach is guided by several criteria, including the level of infections and rate of transmission, the capacity of health facilities, the extent of the implementation of public health interventions and the economic and social impact of continued restrictions. South Africa is currently on Adjusted Alert Level 1 (since 01 October 2022). As of 30 December 2021, the Cabinet of South Africa has decided to make the following changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 with immediate effect:

• The curfew has been lifted for now. There are therefore no restrictions on the hours of movement of people.
• Gatherings are restricted to no more than 1 000 people indoors and no more than 2 000 people outdoors. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used. All other restrictions remain in place.
• Alcohol establishments that have licences to operate beyond 23:00 will revert back to full licence conditions.

Covid-19: Zimbabwe relaxes lockdown measures!

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced on 07 September 2021 that the Zimbabwe moves from an enhanced level four lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 to level two lockdown. The relaxation of the lockdown came into effect last night. Under the level two lockdown, intercity travel in Zimbabwe is allowed again. The nationwide curfew now runs from 22:00 to 05:30, while business hours are from 08:00 to 19:00. Public gatherings for up to 100 people are now be allowed subject to the observance of the World Health Organization (WHO) protocols relating to social distancing, sanitizing and masking. Bars and nightclubs remain closed, while restaurants and bars within hotels and lodges can open between 08:00 and 22:00. Travellers are still required to provide proof of having tested negative for Covid-19, 48 hours before coming into Zimbabwe. Low risk sporting activities have been given permission to resume from 08:00 and 16:00 while high and medium risk sporting activities should seek approval from authorities. The current lockdown regime in Zimbabwe will be reviewed again in two weeks. We'll keep you posted!

Covid-19: Zimbabwe further extends the current level four lockdown! [update]

update (26 August 2021): According to tweets by Zimbabwe's Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting, restaurants are now allowed to re-open for sit-in patrons who are fully vaccinated subject to the production of vaccination cards and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols. Schools will re-open on 30 August 2021 for examination classes and on 06 September 2021 for non-examination classes. Intercity and intracity transportation for learners (!) will be allowed during this period.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has further extended the enhanced level four lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe by another two weeks. According to the country's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, there has been a notable decrease in the number of infections with Covid-19 and death through the disease in Zimbabwe, but more efforts are required to contain the third wave of the pandemic.
Zimbabwe is in level four lockdown since end of June 2021. It has been reviewed several times and certain amendments to the restrictions have been introduced. Under the current level four lockdown in Zimbabwe, intercity movement is prohibited, except for production and distribution of food and medicine. Businesses are only allowed to operate from 08:00 - 15:30 and general curfew hours are 18:30 - 06:00.

Covid-19: Zimbabwe extends the current level four lockdown!

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in a televised address to the nation on 09 August 2021 that the level four lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe is getting further extended by two weeks. The current lockdown restrictions were imposed by the President on 29 June 2021. Under level four lockdown, intercity movement in Zimbabwe is prohibited, except for production and distribution of food and medicine. Businesses are only operating from 08:00 - 15:30 and general curfew hours are 18:30 - 06:00. According to President Mnangagwa, since the imposition of the enhanced level four lockdown restriction, Zimbabwe has recorded "relative success" in reducing infections with Covid-19.

Also read: Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe re-opens the Victoria Falls border post & Kazungula border post for vaccinated travellers! (28 July 2021) >>

Covid-19: Zimbabwe imposes dusk to dawn curfew!

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has re-installed a strict level four lockdown with new restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Zimbabwe on 29 June 2021. The measures are in effect for two weeks, after which they will be reviewed. Zimbabwe has seen its 7-day average infection rate increasing five times to 727 compared to two weeks ago. The key highlights of the enhanced Level 4 restriction are:

• Intercity movement in Zimbabwe is prohibited, except for production and distribution of food and medicine
• Travellers from countries with Alpha and Delta Covid-19 variants, are getting quarantined and tested on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 10th day at their own expense
• Travellers with fake Covid-19 documents attract custodial sentences
• Commerce and industry are to open from 08:00 - 15:30 in compliance with the 18:30 - 06:00 general curfew hours
• Companies are required to only have 40% of their workforce
  

According to the President, a Covid-19 vaccination blitz will be rolled out in Zimbabwe's border towns and cities, tobacco auction floors, GMB and Cottco depots, major construction sites and people’s markets.

South African National Parks introduces changes to its hospitality and tourism services for lockdown adjusted level four!

Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa, that the South Africa moves to Adjusted Level Four from 28 June 2021, South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced key changes to its hospitality and tourism services in its various national parks. SANParks in complying with government regulations has therefor made the requisite amendments particularly for travellers to its national parks originating from Gauteng.

The rules for clients from Gauteng with exiting reservations are as follows:

• There will not be a blanket cancellation of bookings for guests residing in Gauteng. Instead, those holding current reservations valid for the period 28 June to 11 July 2021 will be contacted directly via telephone and email to establish whether their bookings should be postponed or cancelled.
• Guests are also encouraged to contact reservations on 012 428 9111 or 082 233 9111 or email reservations@sanparks.org if they are unsure about their current reservation.
• Where cancellation is the only option, cancellation fees will not be charged and clients will be provided with the option to claim a full refund or for their deposit to be kept on credit-on-hold for use on future reservations.
• Gauteng residents currently in occupation of SANParks accommodation facilities will be permitted to remain in the parks for the duration of their reserved stay as the regulations permit for persons who were outside the province when the regulations came into force, a once-off trip to return to their places of residence.

• All gatherings at beaches and picnic sites within the national parks are prohibited.
• The dining facilities and restaurants within the national parks will operate on the basis of off-site consumption and therefore no sit-down dining will be allowed.

More information will be shared on the compliance with the regulations regarding occupancy levels once SANParks has finalised the necessary logistics. We'll keep you posted!

Covid-19: South Africa remains on Alert Level 1 with a few adjustments!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in a national address on progress in the national effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic on 30 March 2021 that South Africa will remain on Alert Level 1, with a few adjustments. According to the President, these adjustments are necessary due to specific circumstances of the Easter period, that will lead to increased travel as South African travel for holiday and religious purposes, as well as gatherings. The following regulations will be introduced:

• The sale of alcohol for off-site consumption will be prohibited this coming Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (02 April 2021 - 05 April 2021).
• On-site sales at restaurants, shebeens and bars will be allowed, according to licensing conditions, up until 23:00.

Some of the measures to contain the spread of the corona virus that will remain unchanged are as follows:

• The curfew is maintained from midnight to 04:00.
• Public recreational spaces such as beaches, parks and dams will remain open.
• However, this will continue to be subject to strict health protocols, such as social distancing, mask-wearing.
• Funerals remain restricted to a maximum of 100 people and with a two-hour limit on services. Interprovincial travel will still be permitted.

All South Africans are urged to limit their travel as much as possible and to observe all the necessary health protocols if they cannot avoid travelling.

Covid-19: Zimbabwe has relaxed lockdown measures! [update]

update (18 March 2021): Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Monica Mutsvangwa, announced during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on 16 March 2021 that restaurants are now allowed to open for sit-ins at 50% sitting capacity, under strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. Those found breaking the restrictions will be closed immediately.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in a televised address on 28 February 2021 the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown measures. According to the President, the overnight curfew now starts from 22:00 to 05:30. Inter-city travel, which was banned, can now resume and small and large businesses have been allowed to reopen. Supermarkets in Zimbabwe can stay open until 19:00. Restaurants are allowed to open for take-away only, while bars, nightclubs and gyms remain closed. Schools, which have remained closed since mid December 2020, should get ready to re-open but not date was given. President Emmerson Mnangagwa didn't say what level of lockdown this is.

Covid-19: South Africa has moved to Lockdown Alert Level 1!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in a national address on the national effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic on 28 February 2021 that South Africa will move from Level 3 to Level 1 of the country's Risk Adjusted Strategy. The new alert level has come into effect on 28 February 2021. The country's Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has in the meantime published a new Government Gazette (Regulation Gazette No. 11246, Vol. 668, No. 44201, 28 February 2021) that confirms the move to lockdown level 1, and the changes to some restrictions.

• The hours of the curfew is now from 00:00 to 04:00.
• Gatherings are permitted, subject to limitations on size, adherence to social distancing and other health protocols.
• These include religious, social, political and cultural gatherings.
• The maximum number of people allowed at any gathering is 100 people indoors or 250 people outdoors.
• Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue may be used.
• Night vigils or other gatherings before or after funerals are still not permitted.
• Nightclubs will remain closed.
• The sale of alcohol is permitted, according to normal licence provisions. However, no alcohol may be sold during the hours of curfew.
• The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory, and failure to wear a mask when required remains a criminal offence.
• The 33 land border posts that have been closed throughout this period will remain closed, while the other 20 will remain open.
• Only five airports will be open for international travel with standard infection control measures.
• These are OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Nelspruit and Lanseria International Airport (HLA) in Johannesburg.
• The few remaining restrictions under Alert Level 1 are meant to maintain low levels of infections and, in particular, to prevent super-spreading events.

Covid-19: Rwanda imposes tough lockdown measures on Kigali!

The Government of Rwanda yesterday (18 January 2021) imposed tough lockdown measures on its capital Kigali and strict restrictions on the rest of the country after a surge in cases of Covid-19. The follwing measures took effect yesterday and will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment:

Kigali:

• Unnecessary movements including visits outside home are prohibited except for essential services including medical/healthcare, food shopping, banking etc. and for the personnel performung such services. All movements will require an approved permit from Rwanda National Police.
• Travel between Kigali and other provinces and districts of the country is not permitted except for essential services and tourism (tourists must be in possession of a negative Covid-19 test).
• Public transport is prohibited. However, transportation of food and essential goods will continue to function. Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.
• All employees (public and private) shall work from home, except for those providing essential services.
• Businesses are closed, except distribution and delivery services as well as those selling food, medicine (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel and other essental items. Those businesses are only allowed to operate at 30% capacity. Businesses permitted to operate must close by 18:00.
• Restaurant and cafès are only allowed to provide take-away service.
• All schools (public and private) including universities are closed. However, remote learning is encouraged.
• Places of worship are closed.
• Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali remains open. Arriving passengers must present a negative PCR test taken within 120hrs prior to their first departure. Departing passengers must present a negative PCR test before departure.
• Designated hotels for arriving passengers remain open under strict Covid-19 prevention measures.
• Tourism activity continues in strict adherence with Covid-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers shall inform the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) of itineraries.
• Hotels are only allowed to host essential conferences upon written approval from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
• Farming continues for the ongoing agricultural season while observing Covid-19 control measures.
• Funeral gatherings shall not exceed 15 persons.

Rwanda (except for Kigali):

• Movements are prohibited from 18:00 to 04:00.
• Places of worship are closed
• Schools will continue while respecting Covid-19 control measures
• All bars remain closed
• All social gatherings and events including religious wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings and confereneces are prohibited.
• Public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with the exception of tested guests staying at hotels.
• Attendance at a wake/vigil (Ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 people at any one time.
• Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons
• Gaming activites remain prohibited.

Covid-19: Lesotho goes into a 14-day lockdown! [update]

update (04 March 2021): International travel in and out of Lesotho remains prohibited while the country is under re-adjusted colour code "purple" (Moderate Community Transmission Stage). For more info click here.

update (03 February 2021): International travel in and out of Lesotho remains prohibited while the country is under "orange level" lockdown. Public recreational areas (parks) also remain closed. For more info click here.

update (03 February 2021): According to the US Embassy in Lesotho, Lesotho has decreased the lockdown alert in the country to "orange level" effective today (03 February 2021). Restrictions remain in place for many activities including mandatory masks in public places, a nationwide curfew each day from 21:00 to 5:00, and limits gatherings of any kind to a specified number of attendees. We'll keep you posted!

update (29 January 2021): The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr Moeketsi Majoro announced on 27 January 2021 that the hard lockdown has been extended with 7 days effective from 27 January 2021 midnight to 03 February 2021 (Wednesday next week).

The Government of Lesotho has decided to put the country on a two-week total lockdown starting from midnight on 14 January 2021. The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr Moeketsi Majoro, announed the decision when addressing the nation on state television on 12 January 2021. The shutdown means Lesotho has been put to an adjusted red colour coding stage due to the high rate of COVID-19 infections and deaths. During the adjusted lockdown, the following measures will be implemented:

• no movement across the country's borders except for:
• essential goods and services
• migrant workers
• medical reasons (with permits)
• funerals for parents, children, siblings and grandparents
• the nationwide curfew will be from 19:00 to 06:00
• social/family gatherings, entertainment industry, sporting events, gyms, and political gatherings will be restricted except essential goods and services
• retail and supermarkets, grocery shops and cafes will be open only from 08:00 to 16:00
• retail and supermarkets, grocery shops and cafes should restrict the number of people entering the store to one person/m²
• health service providers, food and agriculture, financial services, communication service providers, filling stations will continue to provide services
• 4+1 taxis will be permitted to carry three passengers, 15 seater taxi will be allowed to carry 10 passengers, while 22 seater and bus will be allowed to carry 70% capacity and no standing passenger
• taxi owners must acquire a permit from traffic department
• funerals are expected to operate as follows: for outdoor burial of private family members services, a number of people is restricted to a maximum of 10 and the service to take not more than 2 hours, no buffet service but only prepacked meals.

Covid-19: South Africa closes all land borders and remains on Adjusted Alert Level 3 Lockdown!

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 11 January 2021 that the country will remain on Adjusted Alert Level 3 Lockdown. South Africa has been on Adjusted Lockdown Alert Level 3 since 29 December 2020, when the resurgence in infections started. While most measures remain in place, minor but significant adjustments to the current regulations have been introduced. The amended regulations have been gazetted by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Below are some of the key points of the extended lockdown, as outlined by the Government Gzette No. 44066.

• All land ports of entry into and out of South Africa are closed until 15 February 2021, with the following exceptions:
• The transportation of fuel, cargo and goods
• Emergency medical attention for a life-threatening condition (with proof of such treatment)
• The return of a South African national, permanent resident, person with a long-term residence visa, spouse with a visa, child or children with visa, person with a work visa and holder of a business visa
• Funeral purposes for family members in the first degree of kinship to the deceased person
• Diplomats
• The deportation of foreign nationals
• The departure of a South African national, or permanent resident, to his or her place of employment, study or residence
• Daily commuters from neighbouring countries who attend school in South Africa.

• International air travel is restricted to:
• OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg
• King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban
• Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town

• Air travel is still permitted, 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.

• In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative Covid-19 test, they will be required to do an antigen test on arrival at their own cost and in the event of testing positive for Covid-19, they will be required to quarantine at their own cost.

• All commercial seaports will remain open and small crafts will be allowed entry into seaports, inline with all health and border law enforcement protocols.

• Foreign nationals in South Africa with visas that have expired and were automatically extended to 31 January 2021, due to their inability to travel during the lockdown due to COVID-19, will have their visas automatically extended to 31 March 2021.

• A foreign tourist who arrived in South Africa prior to the commencement of this regulation, will have his or her visa automatically extended to 31 March 2021.

• Every person is confined to his or her place of residence from 21:00 until 05:00 daily unless a person:
• has been granted a special permission
• is attending to a security or medical emergency.

• Any person who fails to abide by the curfew commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding six months or to both such fine andimprisonment.

• Closing time for the following establishments, whether indoors or outdoors, is 20:00:
• cinemas
• theatres
• casinos
• museums, galleries and archives
• gyms and fitness centres
• restaurants
• venues hosting auctions
• venues hosting professional sport
  

Covid-19: Zimbabwe has moved back to level 4 national lockdown! [update]

update (15 February 2021): Zimbabwe's President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has extended level four national lockdown by a further two weeks.
- Hours of Business from 08:00 to 17:00
- Curfew from 20:00 to 05:30
- No intercity travel or interprovincial travel
- Essential Service to remain functional.
- All private companies seeking resumptions of operations should test their employees.
- Markets shall remain open but observing social distancing.

update (29 January 2021): The level 4 national lockdown in Zimbabwe is getting extended by another two weeks to 15 February 2021.

Zimbabwe has moved from level two national lockdown to level four for 30 days on 02 January 2021 in an effort to curb a surge in coronavirus infections in the country. The amendment was gazetted by Zimbabwe's Minister of Health and Child Care Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021, Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (No. 2) (Amendment) Order, 2021 (No. 9). Some of the tighter restrictions are effective since 02 January 2021, while some others will be effective from 05 January 2021. According to the new regulations:

• the curfew has been brought back to between 18:00 and 06:00
• air travel is still allowed, with arrivals and returning residents being required to present certificates showing themselves to be free of Covid-19 not older than 48 hours
• inter-provincial and inter-city transport services are restricted only to essential services for 30 days from 05 January 2021
• restaurants, bottle stores and bars are closed for 30 days except for bars and restaurants serving hotel residents
• tourist facilities and national parks operate as before subject to the usual health precautions
• only essential services are to remain open such as hospitals, pharmacies and supermarkets, with only essential staff allowed to come to work
• supermarkets and other outlets supplying essential goods and services to customers that are allowed to remain open must limit their opening hours to between 08:00 and 15:00
• productive sectors of agriculture, mining and manufacturing can remain open
• all gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at a time (funerals, weddings, churches, restaurants, bars, bottle stores etc.)
• people can still queue at bus stops, supermarkets and pharmacies, but must obey social distancing rules
• masks have to continue to be worn in public
  

ADDITIONAL LOCKDOWN MEASURES
-Gatherings are reduced to not more than 30 people at all
funerals.
-All other gatherings at weddings, churches,
bars, bottle stores, gymnasiums, restaurants etc etc are
banned for 30 days.
-Strict enforcement of current measures. pic.twitter.com/9yvIf6tN5A

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) January 2, 2021

South African National Parks (SANParks): National Parks remain open as per strict level three regulations!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that its National Parks in South Africa will remain open as per the strict amended level three regulations laid out by the South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address on 28 December 2020. In line with the amended regulations all day visitors and overnight guests are still welcome and everyone is encouraged to abide by the regulations when entering any of SANParks' national parks.

According to SANParks Acting CEO Xola Mkefe, at this stage overnight reservations at National Parks where there is controlled access remain unaffected. Opening and closing times of gates as well as some early morning and evening activities may be affected and guests are requested to seek clarity at the National Parks or camps where these bookings may have been made. We'll keep you posted!

South Africa: Travellers from Africa & from countries with low COVID-19 rates will be allowed to enter South Africa from 01 October 2020! [update]

update (29 September 2020): South Africa's Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said at the World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September 2020 that international tourists from low risk COVID-19 countries will not require a quarantine period, but only need to show a COVID-19 negative certificate on arrival.

update (28 September 2020): The Government of South Africa will adopt a risk-based system in selecting which countries will be allowed to travel into South Africa and which countries South African citizens will be allowed to fly to. It will use the same approach that was used before South Africa entered into a level 5 lockdown, with countries categorised as "high-risk" or "low-risk" for travel purposes. South Africa's Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane has revealed during an event to commemorate World Tourism Day (27 September 2020) that "most countries" will be allowed on the country's permitted travel list for Level 1.

update (26 September 2020): The Government of South Africa has not yet revealed its
list of countries allowed to travel to South Africa

update (23 September 2020): According to South Africa's Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, the list of countries allowed to travel to South Africa will be published later this week and will be based on science and research. South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, said in an interwiew South Africa would be using World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines to determine which countries to allow in when international travel resumes. We'll keep you posted!

South Africa's Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, announced in a media briefing on Coronavirus COVID-19 level 1 lockdown regulations on 18 September 2020 that all travellers from the African Continent as well as travellers from countries outside the African Continent with a low COVID-19 infection and transmission rates will be allowed to enter South Africa from the 01 October 2020. These travellers need to present a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) before the date of travel when entering South Africa. International travel from countries with high COVID-19 infection and transmission rates will remain prohibited execpt for business travel which may be allowed with the approval South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. The list of permitted and prohibited countries will be based on the latest scientific data and updated accordingly. According to Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the relevant South African ministers are in consultations regarding this list and are aiming to publish it before 01 October 2020.
The 18 land borders that were partially operational during the previous lockdown levels will be fully operational from 01 October 2020. The 35 land borders that were closed during the previous lockdown levels will remain closed. OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban are the only airports that will allow international air travel to arrive or depart.

 

Disaster Management Act, 2002: Amendment of Regulations issued in Terms of Section 27(2) [more]

Coronavirus pandemic: Namibia remains in stage three lockdown for another 5 days!

Namibia's President Hage Geingob has announced during a media briefing to update the nation on the latest COVID-19 situation in the country on 11 September 2020 that all 14 regions of Namibia will remain in stage three of the COVID-19 state of emergency for another 5 days (13 September 2020 - midnight on 17 September 2020). As of 11 September 2020, Namibia had 9,437 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 98 deaths. A total of 4,898 individuals have recovered from the disease.

The following measures will apply during the extended stage three of Namibia's COVID-19 state of emergency (travel and tourism related only):

• Travel restrictions into and out of the City of Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth Local Authority Areas remain in force.
• International travel:
• Travel out of Namibia will be permitted via Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, subject to quarantine at own cost (!) upon return.
• Entry and exit into Namibia for business travel purposes will be permitted Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. This is in addition to the tourism revival initiative and subject to quarantine at own cost (!) upon arrival or return.
• To complement economic activities, the daily curfew hours will now commence from 22:00 to 05:00 countrywide
• The following business activities will be permitted to resume, countrywide, including within the restricted areas of the City of Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth Local Authorities:
• Restaurants, Cafes and Informal Food Traders may reopen for sit down meals and may sell alcohol for onsite consumption only.
• For Shebeens, Bars and Liquor Outlets, trading hours for the sale of alcohol will remain the same countrywide and alcohol is only to be sold for off-site consumption (!)
• Entertainment events, conferences and workshops may resume, in compliance with the limit on public gatherings (50 people max.!) as well as health and hygiene protocols.
• Nightclubs and gambling houses are to remain closed (!) for the duration of this period. Due to the curfew (22:00 - 05:00), theses businesses may not be able to operate.

Zimbabwe is finalising on modalities for the gradual reopening of airports! [update]

update (03 September 2020): The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) announced on twitter, that the opening of domestic flights in Zimbabwe has been approved. The country's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will make an announcement any time soon.

Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, announced during a post-cabinet briefing on 01 September 2020 that the Government is finalising on modalities for the gradual reopening of airports to support the resumption of the tourism sector in the country. According to the Minister, Zimbabwe is planing to resume domestic flights first and international flights later. As of 02 September 2020, Zimbabwe has 6 559 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 203 deaths, although recoveries have reached 5 241. We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Air Namibia's flight operations remain suspended! [update]

update (16 September 2020): Air Namibia's domestic, regional and international services are still suspended.

Namibia's flag carrier, Air Namibia, has extended the suspension of domestic flights due to the travel restrictions, which prohibit exit and entry into the restricted City of Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth Local Authority Areas. The suspension has been extended till such time when local travel will be allowed again. Additionally, the suspension of regional and international flights has been extended until further notice, depending on market demand and reopening of international borders of countries where the airline operates to. The airline has confirmed that it will continue to participate in Namibia's Tourism Revival Initiative. As an essential service provider Air Namibia remains available to offer charter flights worldwide.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Coronavirus pandemic: Namibia remains in stage three lockdown for another 14 days!

Namibia's President Hage Geingob has announced during a media briefing to update the nation on the latest COVID-19 situation in the country on 28 August 2020 that all 14 regions of Namibia will remain in stage three of the COVID-19 state of emergency for another 14 days (29 August 2020 - midnight on 12 September 2020). 

The following measures apply:

• Khomas Region: Travel restrictions remain in force prohibiting exit and entry into the restricted City of Windhoek, Okahandja and Rehoboth Local Authority Areas.
• Erongo Region: The exit and entry travel restriction of the Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Arandis Local Authority Areas is lifted. Members of the public may now travel into and out of these areas to other parts of Namibia.

The following measures apply in addition to existing stage three regulations for all 14 regions of Namibia (travel and tourism related only):

• The daily curfew from 20:00 to 05:00 is extended to countrywide curfew.
• Public gatherings remain limited to a maximum of 10 persons countrywide. 
• Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek will open from 01 September 2020 for the International Tourism Revival Initiative.

Covid-19 in Namibia:

• At present, Namibia has the highest rate of new infections per population on the continent,
• Namibia has recorded 6,712 confirmed COVID-19 cases (as of 28 August 2020).
• In terms of testing coverage, Namibia has tested 21 people per one thousand persons, as at 27 August 2020. This is among the highest testing coverage on the continent, surpassed only by South Africa and Rwanda.   
• On 27 August 2020, Namibia recorded the 60th COVID-19-related death.