PCR no more: SA drops tests for vaccinated travellers

After much lobbying and vocal anticipation, the need for PCR tests from fully vaccinated visitors entering South Africa has finally been scrapped.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced changes to the Alert Level 1 lockdown regulations during his address to the nation yesterday, 22 March. One of these changes included an announcement that international travellers will now either need to show proof of vaccination OR proof of a negative PCR test when entering South Africa.

Travel News reported that the president also added that any unvaccinated travellers entering South Africa who wants to be vaccinated will be offered a vaccination.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa CEO of the Tourism Business Council welcomed the announcement.

“It’s a better day for us to plan and move forward to the right direction. This will go a long way. We thank the president and the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).”

No more PCR tests – but what else?

Some other welcome changes to the Alert level 1 regulations that President Ramaphosa highlighted were as follows:

• Both indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed at up to 50% of capacity, provided that proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test not older than 72 hours is shown.
• The maximum number of people permitted at a funeral is now up to 200, from 100 previously.
• Masks will no longer be required when people are outdoors. It is still mandatory, however, to wear a mask when in a public indoor space.
• Social distancing limits have been dropped from 1.5 metres to 1 metre. This will apply in all settings except in schools.
• Travellers entering SA will need to show a negative PCR tests not older than 72 hours in the event of no vaccination certificate.

All of these new regulations will come into effect today, 23 March 2022.

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