South Africa ended the National State of Disaster with effect from midnight on Monday in light of a decline in COVID-19 cases although a few transitional regulations would remain in place, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced.
In a televised address to the nation late Monday, Ramaphosa said although the pandemic is not yet over, his government has decided to end the state of disaster that was imposed more than 750 days ago in March 2020.
“While the pandemic is not over, and while the virus remains among us, these conditions no longer require that we remain in the national state of disaster. Going forward, the pandemic will be managed in terms of the National Health Act,” Ramaphosa said.
This means that that all regulations and directions made in terms of the Disaster Management Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were repealed with effect from end of Monday.
However, a few transitional measures would remain in force for the next 30 days. These include the wearing of masks in indoor public spaces, limits on the number of people allowed in indoor and outdoor venues, proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for international travellers entering the country.
The Social Relief Grant, which was introduced two years ago to cushion vulnerable communities from the effects of the pandemic, would also continue. Under the scheme, vulnerable South Africans receive R350 (about US$24) a month.
South Africa has been the worst affected African country during the pandemic, with figures showing that it has so far recorded 3,667,560 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 100,052 deaths.
JN/APA