Govt revises list of high-risk Covid-19 countries
The South African government has revised its list of high-risk countries, adding tourists from seven to the banned list.
The tourists from seven countries, which include Germany, Italy and Spain, will no longer be able to visit South Africa due to their respective Covid-19 infection rates.
The Department of Home Affairs published its revised list on Monday.
Its overall list has been whittled down to 22, down from the original 57 countries.
“In its last meeting, the cabinet instructed the Ministers of Health, Home Affairs and Tourism to lead a process to review the list. The review of the list of high-risk countries was done in such a way that it strikes a balance between saving lives and protecting livelihoods,” Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza said in a statement.
Qoza added that the list does not apply to business travellers, or others who are not travelling for leisure, including diplomats and sportspeople.
“In addition, we recognise that there are a number of regular visitors from mainly European countries that have been accustomed to long periods of visitation to our country during our summer season when it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Most of them own properties in the country.
“We appreciate the significant economic contribution that they make through their activities in the country. To this end, we will also allow visitors, in whichever category, who are coming to stay for a three-month period or more subject to Covid-19 protocols,” said Qoza.
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Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, says in his latest report that 1 662 new cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday evening. A further 63 more Covid-19 related fatalities were also confirmed. Nine of the deaths were in the Eastern Cape and 54 people died in KwaZulu-Natal.
The continent's most industrialised economy shuttered its borders at the start of a strict nationwide lockdown in March to limit the spread of the virus.
Restrictions on movement and business have been gradually eased since June, but borders stayed sealed to avoid importing the virus from abroad.
Borders remain open for all African countries.
“Nothing has changed as far as all travellers from the continent of Africa are concerned. They are still welcome to visit the country subject to Covid-19 protocols,” Qoza said.
Several countries that represent important markets for South Africa's tourist offerings, including the UK and the US, remain on the list.
