How will the new mask laws affect flights in SA?

As SA enters a new stage of its COVID-19 response, how will the latest mask laws affect flights? Here’s what we know…

The new COVID regulations – which seek to give a permanent legislative base to rules introduced during the pandemic – are now in effect across South Africa. The only laws that remain applicable relate to gatherings, travel, and yes, the wearing of masks. But how does this impact flights on our domestic airlines?

ALSO READ: No PCR Test: Get your kids back to SA with this ‘loophole’

DO I STILL HAVE TO WEAR A MASK DURING A FLIGHT?

Well, quite simply, the mask mandate for air travel will remain in place. Guidance issued by Health Minister Joe Phaahla states that face coverings MUST be worn on all forms of public transport.

By the letter of the law, planes and airlines fit this billing. That means anyone who is flying within South Africa will be required to keep a mask on for the duration of their flights, removing the protective item only to consume food or drink. Earlier today, FlySafair acknowledged that the directive would ‘frustrate’ some passengers.

AIRLINES RESPOND TO UPDATED COVID RULES

However, Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon believes that the latest measures will go a long way towards keeping travellers safe, while new COVID-19 cases continue to rise just weeks before winter begins.

“As per the Minister of Health Joe Phaahla’s recent update to the COVID-19 regulations, FlySafair will continue to ensure that our staff, crew and passengers wear their masks at all times.”

“We understand that some passengers may feel frustrated by the regulations, however, we ask that people remain patient with our crew and staff. South Africa is experiencing another rise in COVID-19 cases as we head into winter and masks are one of the easy and effective ways of keeping you and others safe.”

Kirby Gordon

WHAT ARE THE NEW MASK LAWS FOR SOUTH AFRICA?

• Instead of being regulated by the State of Disaster, mask laws are NOW covered by ‘Regulations Relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Condition 2022’. It is not an amendment to the National Health Act.
• That means it is now NON-EMERGENCY LAW to wear face-coverings in any indoor public setting or building. Travellers on public transport will still be required to mask-up for their journeys.
• One of the biggest changes to the legislation is that the Health Minister – currently Joe Phaahla – now has the power to END these restrictions himself, via the Government Gazette. He can also REINTRODUCE dropped measures.
• There is one notable exemption: Children ARE NOT required to wear a mask in a school setting.
• You can read the FULL list of our new COVID rules here.

By: Tom Head