Travel under Level 3 lockdown: Here’s what you need to know

Following a national address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday evening 28 December, the adjusted Level 3 lockdown regulations have been gazetted. Now that we are operating under a new lockdown level due to increased strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still rules which need to be followed when it comes to travel. 

From international travel to public transport, we’ve got you covered. 

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ALLOWED UNDER LEVEL 3 LOCKDOWN 

According to the government gazette, signed by Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma on 28 December 2020, all international travel is allowed under Level 3 lockdown, however, subject to; 

• The traveller providing a valid certificate of a negative test which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel; 
• In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveller will be required to do an antigen test on arrival at his or her own costs; and 
• In the event of a traveller testing positive for COVID -19, he or she will be required to quarantine him or herself at his or her own cost.

International air travel is restricted to the following airports; 

• OR Tambo International Airport; 
• King Shaka International Airport; and 
• Cape Town International Airport.

All commercial seaports will remain open and small crafts will be allowed entry into seaports, in line with health and border law enforcement protocols. Dlamini-Zuma said the 18 land borders which were partially operational, will be fully operational and the 34 land borders which were closed, will remain closed except for the Kosibay Port of Entry which will reopen on 1 January 2021.

The resumption of services for visa applications shall be determined in directions issued by the Cabinet member responsible for home affairs.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT 

Bus and taxi services may not carry more than 70% of the licensed capacity for long-distance travel and may carry 100% of the licensed capacity for any trip not regarded as long-distance travel in terms of sub-regulation. Long-distance travel in this instance s a trip of 200km or more. 

A driver, owner or operator of public transport may not allow any member of the public who is not wearing a face mask to board or be conveyed in a public transport owned or operated by him or her.

MOVEMENT OF PERSONS UNDER LEVEL 3 LOCKDOWN 

Every person is confined to his or her place of residence from 21:00 until 6:00 daily, except in areas declared a hotspot, unless a person has been granted permission through directions by the relevant Cabinet member or a permit, which corresponds with Form 7 of Annexure A, to perform a service other than a service related to an activity listed under Table 2; or (b) is attending to a security or medical emergency. 

Any person who fails to abide by the curfew is committing an offence and is liable to a fine or a period of imprisonment not exceeding six months. 

Closing time for the following establishments, whether indoors or outdoors is 20:00: 

• Cinemas; 
• Theatres; 
• Casinos; 
• Museums, galleries and archives; 
• Gyms and fitness centres; 
• Restaurants; 
• Venues hosting auctions; and 
• Venues hosting professional sport. 

The full government gazette can be found here.