South Africa Lifts ban on International Travel
Following 7 months of ban on air travel into South Africa, the President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in a speech to the nation, announced the cancellation of the ban on International travels.
The news which was announced on Wednesday confirmed that ports of entry that were hitherto closed to prevent the spread of the virus would now be opened. However, the lift on ban on international travels would still initiate safety precautions and follow necessary health procedures to prevent a new wave in the increase of infection.
According to the President, “We are opening up international travel to all countries subject to the necessary health protocols and the presentation of a negative Covid-19 certificate. Now by using rapid tests and strict monitoring, we intend to limit the spread of the infection through importation.”
The announcement was part of the economic recovery plan to restore normal business activities in all sectors of the economy in the country after several months of business shutdown. Part of this plan is to also multiply testing procedures especially for migrants into the country.
This also involves travellers presenting negative Covid-19 test results no less than 72 hours beginning from date of departure. The country also aims to follow in the world-wide precautionary measures of quarantine for travellers.
The country was one of the worst hit in the continent with a recorded 742,394 identified cases, 686,458 recoveries, and 20,011 deaths from a total of 5,037,782 conducted tests. The country’s Covid-19 statistics also pegged the number of confirmed new cases at 2,140.
