South Africa’s Web-based travel screening platform for COVID-19 will be live from noon on 15 December.
This is according to the Department of Health (DOH), which says the COVID SA travel system forms part of its move from paper-based screening systems, to a digitised screening solution in a phased approach.
The DOH’s announcement comes as SA’s borders have partially re-opened to international travellers under alert level one of the national COVID-19 lockdown.
South Africa’sCOVID-19 cases have now reached 836 764, with 8 166 new cases reported on Thursday. The total number of deaths stands at 22 747 and the total number of recoveries at 756 671.
This week, health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize confirmed SA has entered a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
In a statement, the DOH says the COVID SA travel system is a digital screening platform that allows travellers to complete the required travel health questionnaire (THQ) on their personal devices ahead of their arrival at ports of entry.
“The Web-based THQ platform will complement and strengthen the existing method of screening and surveillance at ports of entry. [It is] a user-friendly tool allowing travellers to complete the travel health questionnaire on their personal devices prior to their travel.”
The department explains the Web-based travel screening tool will allow travellers to complete their travel and symptomatic information at any time from two days ahead of their journey, to ensure the exposure and symptoms information provided is relevant.
The traveller will then receive a unique number, which they will present to the port health official at the respective port of entry, in order to proceed with the screening process.
“Travellers who have already booked their tickets can still access the Web-based THQ at any time after the system goes live,” according to the statement. “Travellers will still be subjected to the screening protocols at ports of entry, including temperature screening.
“They will still be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, obtained not more than 72 hours from the time of departure.”
As of 17 December, international travellers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, those departing from Cape Town International Airport, those entering the country through the Beit Bridge land border and those exiting through Maseru Bridge land border will be expected to complete the Web-based THQ.
The paper-based system for COVID-19 screening will continue to be in operation at all other operational ports of entry. This system is set to play a critical role in assisting port health, by managing travellers, identifying potential high-risk travellers and responding effectively.
“Security of personal information was one of the top priorities throughout the development of this system. Accordingly, best practice guidelines, as per the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] Act, are followed to protect all travellers’ personal information at all times.
“The COVID SA travel system provides us with additional armour to better manage and survey travellers to prevent importation and exporting of the virus,” reads the DOH statement.
In addition, an algorithm that helps determine the risk profile of travellers has been embedded in the system. “In the event of a positive case, the system will assist with identifying potentially exposed travellers, who were in proximity to a positive case, further assisting with better contact tracing.”
Share