WE CAN TRAVEL FOR LEISURE AND LOCKDOWN CURFEW EXTENDED

Cabinet has approved amended regulations which will allow people to travel for leisure purposes within their own provinces, as well as an extension of one hour on the lockdown curfew.

Although these regulations have not been Gazetted yet, it was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, during a media briefing on Thursday.

While tourism regulations might be relaxed a bit, the Minister emphasised that it’s only applicable for intra-provincial travel.

"Let me emphasise, it is only intra-provincial travel and not inter-provincial travel. Individuals are still not permitted to travel between provinces for leisure purposes."

She also outlined that no more than two people per room will be allowed, except for a "nuclear" family of two parents and their children.

While the tourism industry might be elated about the decision, short-term home rental or sharing options like AirBnB are still to remain closed for leisure travel.

The decision to extend the lockdown curfew by an hour was based on a request by restaurant owners to allow them to serve dinner at appropriate times, while still giving their staff enough time to travel and be home before curfew.

The Minister’s department is still to Gazette the amended Regulations.

Image credits: The South African and Afristay.