The South African government has imposed a travel ban on
nationals of the US and UK over the coronavirus pandemic.
The ban also extends to Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain,
Germany and China — countries the South African government listed as
“high-risk”.
The country has also cancelled visas previously issued to
nationals of the “high risk” areas.
Cyril Ramaphosa, South African president, in an address on
Sunday, said the ban will be effective from March 18.
“We are imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals from
high-risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the
United States, the United Kingdom and China as from 18 March 2020,” he said.
“Visa issuing to visitors from these countries is cancelled
from today and previously granted visas are hereby revoked.
“Effective immediately, South African citizens are advised
to refrain from all forms of travel to or through the European Union, United
States, United Kingdom and other identified high-risk countries such as China,
Iran and South Korea.
“Government will continue to regularly issue travel alerts
referring to specific cities, countries or regions as the situation evolves
based on the risk level.
“Any person who has visited high-risk countries in the past
20 days will be denied a visa. South African citizens returning from high-risk
countries will be subjected to testing and self-isolation or quarantine on
return to South Africa.”
The president said travellers from medium-risk countries
such as Portugal, Hong Kong and Singapore
will be required to undergo “high intensity” screening.
He said all travellers who have entered South Africa from
high-risk countries since mid-February will be required to present themselves
for testing.
The president said starting from Monday, 35 out of the 53
land ports will be shut down, and two of the eight sea ports will be closed for
passengers and crew changes.
“Effective immediately, all non-essential travel for all
spheres of government outside of the Republic is prohibited. We further
discourage all non-essential domestic travel, particularly by air, rail, taxis
and bus,” he said.
The president also announced that schools will be closed
from Wednesday and will remain closed until after the Easter weekend.
He added that the government is aware of the confirmed case
of a student who has tested positive for the coronavirus at Wits University,
and those who have been in contact with the student will be quarantined.
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