December 15 will see the official launch by the Department of Health (DoH) of a Covid SA travel system, a digital screening platform that will allow travelers to complete the required travel health questionnaire (THQ) on their personal devices ahead of their arrival at ports of entry.
The department said it intended to make a move from paper-based screening systems to a digitised screening solution in a phased approach.
“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 travelers to complete the travel health questionnaire on their personal devices prior to their travel,” said the department.
Travelers will be able to complete their travel and symptomatic information up to two days ahead of their journey to ensure that the exposure and symptoms information provided is relevant.
Once completed, they will receive a unique number (look-up ID) which they will present to the port health official at the respective port of entry in order to proceed with the screening process.
“Over time, as more travelers use this system, it can save them time and help fast-track screening at ports of entry,” the department added.
The system can be accessed using the link: https://sa-covid-19-travel.info/.
Those who have already booked their tickets can still access the web-based THQ at any time after the system goes live.
They will however still be subjected to the screening protocols at ports of entry, including temperature screening, and will be required to present a negative Covid-19 PCR test result, obtained not more than 72 hours from the time of departure.
Effective from December 17, international travelers arriving at OR Tambo International Airport, those departing from Cape Town International Airport, those entering the country through the Beitbridge land border, and those exiting through Maseru Bridge land border will be expected to complete the web-based THQ.
The paper-based system of 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 with managing travelers, identifying potential high-risk travelers and responding effectively,” said the department.
“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 travelers’ personal information at all times.
“The system provides us with additional armour to better manage and survey travelers to prevent importation and exportation of the virus,” said the department.
It will also provide better data collection and storage, which can be helpful with identifying potential high-risk travelers.
An algorithm that helps determine the risk profile of travelers is embedded in the system.
“In the event of a positive case, the system will assist with identifying potentially exposed travelers who were in proximity to a positive case, further assisting with better contact tracing,” said the department.
Travelers arriving in South Africa are required to download the Covid Alert SA application on their mobile phones. – SAnews.gov.za
