Masks, Gatherings, Funerals, National State of Disaster and more to be lifted…here are the new eased Covid-19 regulations in South Africa

On Tuesday, 22 March 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on South Africa’s ongoing measures to manage the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hitting the country.

Ramaphosa announced that the government intends to lift the national state of disaster as soon as the public has commented on the draft bill proposed by the Department of Health. The deadline for comment is 16 April 2022.

In addition, he announced a few adjustments to the current alert Level 1:

– Masks are no longer required when outdoors, including in open spaces and attending an outdoor gathering. Also when working out on the streets or jogging.

– However, masks remain mandatory indoors at places such as offices, malls, taxis, buses, or any other indoor place that is still required.

– Indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity — provided the criteria for entrance with either proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours.  Where there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test, then the current upper limit will remain (1,000 people indoors and 2,000 people outdoors).

– The number of people permitted at a funeral will increase from 100 to 200.

– After tears and night vigils are still not allowed.

– Travelers entering South Africa will either need to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours. If a traveler wants to be vaccinated in SA they will be offered one.