Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has extended the deadline for public comment on controversial health regulations that critics say entrench the extraordinary powers of the State of Disaster for government in perpetuity, writes Wyndham Hartley for Legalbrief Today.
Critics point out that with these regulations, the authorities could impose lockdowns without having to declare a State of Disaster. The regulations provide that citizens can be isolated in state camps against their will, and can be forced to accept medical treatment from doctors not of their choice.
The regulations have faced massive criticism for entrenching the extraordinary powers granted to government by the State of Disaster and incorporating them into the ordinary legal landscape. Once approved, it will mean that lockdowns can be imposed without having to declare a State of Disaster.
The initial period for public comment closed on 15 April. Phaahla last week announced a new closing date of 24 April.
The regulations provide that citizens can be isolated in state camps against their will and can be compelled to submit to medical treatment not of their choice if they are thought to have Covid or another notifiable infections.
Legalbrief article (Restricted access)
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Court threats over South Africa’s ‘permanent State of Disaster’
The real State of Disaster is SA’s new COVID regulations – Scientists’ Collective
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