South Africa adjusts COVID-19 isolation rules

JOHANNESBURG

South Africa will no longer require people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate if they have no symptoms, the government has announced.

The move was the result of a substantial rise in the proportion of coronavirus-immune individuals exceeding 60-80% in several sero-surveys that test people's blood samples to pinpoint trends in the outbreak, the country's Presidency said in a statement late on Monday.

"Based on the trajectory of the pandemic and the levels of vaccination in the country, Cabinet has decided to make changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 with immediate effect," said the statement.

However, those who test positive with symptoms, will be required to isolate for seven days, a period reduced from 10 days.

Schools re-open full time

The statement also said Cabinet had reviewed the issue of schools resuming full-time classes.

"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 statement said.

JOHANNESBURG

South Africa will no longer require people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate if they have no symptoms, the government has announced.

"Based on the trajectory of the pandemic and the levels of vaccination in the country, Cabinet has decided to make changes to Adjusted Alert Level 1 with immediate effect," said the statement.

However, those who test positive with symptoms, will be required to isolate for seven days, a period reduced from 10 days.

Schools re-open full time

The statement also said Cabinet had reviewed the issue of schools resuming full-time classes.

"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 statement said.