COVID-19 update – new directions issued for Alert level 2 : Transport and Home Affairs (services)

‘2 September 2020’

The Ministers of Transport, Tourism and Home Affairs have amended the directions issued under the Disaster Management Act for alert level 2. Herewith the key points  – as received via Agbiz:

Transport

Public transport

• All long distance (+200 km) intra and inter-provincial travel by private vehicles and public transport is permitted;
• For long distance travel, the following load capacities apply:
  • Minibus, midibus or minibus taxi-type services are limited at 70%, equating to:
    • 7/10 for minibuses;
    • 10/15 for midibuses;
    • 15/22 for larger midibuses; and
    • 70% for bus services;
• For short distance travel (less than 200 kms);
  • Buses, minibuses, midi-buses, e-hailing services, meter taxis, shuttle services, chauffer-driven vehicles & scholar transport may carry 100% capacity;
  • Rail operations are limited to 70% capacity.
• The transportation of liquor is also permitted.

Air services

• International flights remain prohibited unless the Minister of Transport consents thereto; and
• Domestic flights are permitted at the following airports:
  • Bram Fischer International Airport;
  • Cape Town International Airport;
  • East London Airport;
  • George Airport;
  • Hoedspruit Airport;
  • Kimberly airport;
  • King Shaka International Airport;
  • Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport;
  • Lanseria International Airport;
  • Margate Airport;
  • Mthatha Airport;
  • OR Tambo International Airport;
  • Palaborwa Airport;
  • Pietermaritzburg Airport;
  • Port Elizabeth International Airport;
  • Richards Bay Airport;
  • Skukuza Airport; and
  • Upington International Airport.

Tourism

Amended directions for level 2

• The term ‘nuclear family’ has been deleted (it was previously applied so as to permit more than 2 persons to share a room if they are from the same nuclear family);
• Number at public places at tourist facilities where gatherings may occur (e.g. foyer, reception) must be limited to 50% of the available floor space so as to permit patrons to observe physical distancing of 1.5 meters from one another;
• Self-drive excursions must adhere to the directions in respect of private vehicles (70% capacity); and
• Each owner or person in charge of these facilities must ensure that social-distancing protocols are adhered to;
• Wedding, exhibitions and function venues;
  • Are limited to 50 persons;
  • Must adhere to social distancing;
  • Must set up symptom-screening facilities; and
  • Ensure that masks are worn;
• The same applies to “places of attraction” such as theme parks, water parks, entertainment centres, nature and game reserves, national parks, botanical gardens, zoos etc.

Home affairs

Services rendered by home affairs

• The following additional services will now be offered under level 2:
  • Applications for ID Cards or books;
  • Amendments to personal particulars;
  • Back office records retrieval services;
• All temporary ID certificates issued during the national state of disaster are valid until the 31^st of October 2020.