A woman from Tembisa, Gauteng is pictured wearing a mask – Photo: Unsplash
A woman from Tembisa, Gauteng is pictured wearing a mask – Photo: Unsplash
For those who were in bed early on Wednesday night, you likely missed the Health Department confirming a new set of ‘limited regulations‘ for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus was mainly on travelling and gatherings, but mask laws in South Africa have also undergone a few minor changes.
Essentially, not a great deal has changed since the State of Disaster lapsed in April: We are still required to wear face coverings (over the mouth AND nose) in a number of public settings. The most eye-catching alterations, however, are related to the regulation and administration of our mask laws. Here are the key points:
In a statement issued before midnight, the Health Department revealed that they are still treating COVID-19 like a ‘life-threatening disease’, and although Minister Phaahla has been granted the authority to declare an end to all mask laws and mandates, it seems Mzansi will remain cautious as we head into winter.
“It is important to emphasise that the proposed amendments do not amend the National Health Act, 2003 but rather augment certain existing regulations. The Department would like to remind people that there is still an imperative to provide options to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and other notifiable medical conditions.”
“Therefore, members of the public are reminded that COVID-19 remains a life-threatening disease, and the country isn’t out of the woods. These regulations mainly focus on wearing of masks, gatherings and persons entering SA. The department has gazetted the limited regulations for implementation with effect from Thursday 5 May.”
Statement from the Health Department