The South African authorities yesterday reopened the land borders after a month-long closure to contain the spread of the second wave of the new coronavirus pandemic.
The closure of the 20 border crossings, including Lebombo (Ressano Garcia) and Ponta do Ouro, was enacted on January 11, at a time when there was heavy pressure to enter and leave the country, with long queues at border crossings.
Celestino Matsinhe, spokesman for the National Migration Service (SENAMI), told “Notícias” that the primary condition for crossing remains the presentation of a negative Covid-19 test, with a minimum of 72 hours, and up-to-date travel documents.
He appealed to citizens to go to the border crossings with the tests, in order to avoid performing them on the spot, which can lead to long lines and consequent non-compliance with the measures to prevent the disease.
The SENAMI spokesman revealed that there has been reinforcement of health professionals to guide compliance with the health protocol.
“We continue with rapid tests at border crossings for anyone traveling,” he assured.
South African Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi recently announced that people found in possession of a fake test for the new coronavirus will be barred from entering the SAR for a period of five years.
South Africa is opening the borders with the allocation of additional health workers, ticketing systems for Covid-19 testing, and queue limits to avoid congestion similar to that of December and January.
Over the past four weeks, the RSA has increased interaction with with officials from neighboring countries and other stakeholders to make sure that the for the recovery to go smoothly.
