Those, alongside a schedule of fines and imprisonment for flouting COVID-19 mitigation measures, are the basis of the regulations that were finally published on 18 March 2020.

Q: What were the general guidelines announced on 15 March 2020?

The following guidelines were been implemented by the South African Government on 15 March 2020: • Travel ban on foreign nationals from high risk countries from 18 March 2020. • SA citizens advised to refrain from travel to or through high risk countries effective immediately. • SA citizens returning from high risk countries will have testing and self-isolation. • All foreign nationals having arrived into the country since mid-February from high risk areas must be tested. • All spheres of government must not take non-essential travel. • Gathering of more than 100 people prohibited. • Schools closed from 18 March until after the Easter weekend break. • Visits to all correctional facilities cancelled for the next 30 days. • All businesses must ensure all measures taken to intensify hygiene control. • All shopping centres must ensure all measures taken to intensify hygiene control. • Capacity of health facilities being increased nationally. • Limitations on the hours for trading and serving of alcohol.

Q: What are the formal implications of the National State of Disaster and an imminent State of Emergency?

Following President Ramaphosa’s declaration of a National State of Disaster on 15 March 2020, the South African Government issued Disaster Management Act 2002 Regulation 8 on 18 March 2020.

The 2002 Disaster Management Act facilitates co-ordination, mitigation and recovery following a disaster, defined as a “natural or human-caused occurrence that causes disease, damage to property infrastructure or the environment or disruption of the life of a community”.

A national State of Disaster lasts three months. However, the co-operative governance minister may cut it short at any time. A national State of Disaster may be extended one month at a time.

Compliance with the already announced measures is key to avoid the escalation of the national State of Disaster to a State of Emergency.

Details on the State of Disaster and State of Emergency, as well as the implications and timelines can be found here: Covid-19 State of Disaster vs State of Emergency: What’s the difference? (Source: Daily Maverick)

Q: Which live & useful resources are available?

Regulations: Disaster Management Act 2002 Regulation 8

Resources: SA Department of Health Corona Resource Portal National Institute for Communicable Diseases FAQSouthern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Corona Virus Update Visit Stellenbosch Corona Virus FAQ Visit Winelands – tips & updates for visitors to the winelands, as well as wineries SATSA’s comprehensive FAQ document and a general infographic that wineries can circulate to their teams.

Hotlines & live updates: To receive information directly from the South African National Department of Health, save the number 060 012 3456 on WhatsApp and send ‘hi’. The Coronavirus Outbreak 24-hour Hotline Number is 0800 029 999.