Covid-19: South Africa has introduced changes to its Adjusted Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations
South Africa implemented a five-level Covid-19 alert system in April 2020 to manage the gradual easing of the nationwide lockdown, which was introduced on 27 March 2020. This risk-adjusted approach is guided by several criteria, including the level of infections and rate of transmission, the capacity of health facilities, the extent of the implementation of public health interventions and the economic and social impact of continued restrictions. South Africa is currently on Adjusted Alert Level 1 (since 01 October 2022). The Cabinet of South Africa yesterday (31 January 2022) approved changes to the Adjusted Alert Level 1 Covid-19 regulations. This follows meetings of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) which received updates on the management of Covid-19 in South Africa. Based on the trajectory of the pandemic and the levels of vaccination in the country, the Cabinet has decided to make the following changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 with immediate effect:
- Those who test positive with no symptoms do not have to isolate.
- If you test positive with symptoms, the isolation period has been reduced from 10 to 7 days.
- Contacts do not have to isolate unless they develop symptoms.
The Cabinet of South Africa also reviewed the resumption of schooling to full-time learning in all schools. Primary, secondary and special schools will return to daily attendance. The regulatory provision for social distancing of 1 meter for learners in schools has also been removed.
