President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the end of the State of Disaster Management Act with effect from midnight last night.
However, Ramaphosa reminded the nation to remain cautious.
“Although the pandemic is not over, and although we continue to remain cautious, we can be confident that we are in a better position now than we have been at any other time over the last 750 days. We are hopeful that the worst is behind us, and we are confident that there are only better days ahead,” said Ramaphosa.
He addressed the nation on developments in the country’s fight against Covid-19 pandemic last night.
“Since the requirements for a National State of Disaster to be declared in terms of the Disaster Management Act are no longer met, Cabinet has decided to terminate the National State of Disaster with effect from midnight tonight,” said Ramaphosa.
He said certain transitional provisions will remain in place for a period of 30 days after the termination of the National State of Disaster to ensure essential public health precautions and other necessary services are not interrupted while the new regulations are finalised.
Ramaphosa said the Disaster Management Act makes provision for certain elements of the regulations to remain in place for a limited period for “post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation”.
“What this means is that all regulations and directions made in terms of the Disaster Management Act following the declaration of the national state of disaster in response to Covid-19 are repealed with effect from midnight tonight, with the exception of a few transitional measures,” he said.
The president said the end of the National State of Disaster is an important milestone in the fight against the pandemic.
“It is a sign of the progress we have made together and a reminder of what our nation has endured. It is a moment to remember those who have lost their lives and the many people who are still struggling with the effects of the disease.
“It is also a time to pay tribute to the health care workers, police, soldiers, volunteers and other frontline workers for their dedication and service during the worst times of the pandemic,” Ramaphosa said.
He said the end of the National State of Disaster is a firm statement of determination to live lives and rebuild the country even as this virus remains in the midst.
“While the pandemic is not over, and while the virus remains among us, these conditions no longer require that we remain in a National State of Disaster. The pandemic can be managed in terms of existing legislation and regulations together with the regulations currently being contemplated in terms of the National Health Act,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the draft Health Regulations have been published for public comment.
“Once the period for public comment closes on the 16th of April 2022 and the comments have been considered, the new regulations will be finalised and promulgated,” Ramaphosa said.
QUICK FACTS
Wear face mask indoors
Gathering 50% capacity indoors and outdoors
International travellers travellers need to show negative test results or PCR test not less than 72 hours
R350 social grant relief fund to remain in place
Validity driving licence cards, learners will remain in place
Covid-19 vaccine injury no-fault compensation scheme remains in place until it is no longer needed
Covid-19 statistics
685 new cases
11506 active cases
3 723 639 total cases
24-48 hours 2 deaths
100 052 total deaths
3612081 total recovery