A special Cabinet meeting has relaxed the COVID-19 alert level one regulations, which will allow all schools to reopen for full-time learning. In addition, the need for social distancing of one metre has been removed.
A statement from the Presidency said the rules applying to isolation have also been changed:
· Those who test positive with no symptoms do not have to isolate.
· If you test positive with symptoms, the isolation period has been reduced from 10 to 7 days.
· Contacts do not have to isolate unless they develop symptoms.
The rationale for these amendments is informed by the proportion of people with immunity to COVID-19 which has risen substantially, exceeding 60-80% in several sero-surveys.
Cabinet also reviewed the resumption of schooling to full-time learning in all schools. Primary, secondary and special schools will return to daily attendance. The regulatory provision for social distancing of 1 meter for learners in schools has also been removed.
The Ministers of Health and Basic Education will in the coming days issue directives reflecting on this new approach.
Government commends all South Africans who continue to observe COVID-19 regulations and protocols. We also remind those who are yet to get vaccinated to go for their COVID-19 vaccination and continue observing basic health protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus.
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