In a major move to boost tourism, South Africa has removed all COVID-19-related restrictions, going back to the pre-pandemic rules in place. Here is all that we know. By Anushka Goel
On Wednesday (July 22) evening, the South African government decided to drop all COVID-19 restrictions and go back to the pre-pandemic times. According to the Presidential Coordinating Council and Cabinet, these restrictions were no longer needed as they had served their purpose already.
South Africa drops all COVID-19 restrictions
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Health Minister Joe Phaahla stated that now, no restrictions on wearing masks or large gatherings will prevail in the country. He said, “Having monitored the positive direction for more than three weeks, we came to the conclusion that the peak infection, which we concluded was a limited 5th wave driven by sub-variants and not a new variant of concern, was dissipating and that there was no more any eminent risk,” reports Economic Times.
According to reports, the minister said that he had signed the note in the Government Gazette, necessary for releasing all remaining health regulations that had been put in place when the COVID-19 pandemic began back in 2020, and that the Cabinet supported this decision.
The minister, however, urged that vaccination drives need to continue and people should come out and get the jab against COVID-19 – those awaiting their booster doses or those who haven’t been vaxxed at all.
South Africa has been among the most popular nations for tourism. The country, with its stunning beaches, quaint towns, and beautiful mountainsides. The place has always bustled with social events, international games and more, promoting tourism and helping the country grow economically. Now, all this is set to return, as the COVID-19 precautionary measures ease, allowing people the freedom to move around and do as they please.
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Lina Loos/Unsplash
Related: I Travelled To South Africa During The COVID-19 Pandemic — Here’s What It’s Like To Visit Now
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
