Covid-19: Mbalula urges caution as the grace period for interprovincial travel draws to a close

There are only a few hours left before interprovincial movement comes to a halt.

The once-off movement of people who were not at their places of residence or work when the lockdown commenced will end at 11.59pm tonight (Thursday, May 7).

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has called on interprovincial travellers to exercise extreme caution on the roads as the grace period for transit across provincial boundaries draws to a close.

From May 1 to 7, those who found themselves in provinces outside their places of work or residence when the lockdown commenced were given a window of opportunity to return to those provinces, so as to gradually resume economic activities.

A directive was issued to allow long distance buses, taxis and private vehicles to travel outside the 8pm curfew for a limited time period.

Motorists are urged not to leave their journeys to the last minute.

“Law enforcement officials will be out and about, ensuring road safety and compliance to lockdown rules and regulations.

“We urge road users to travel with care, to sanitise their vehicles, to wear face masks, not to exceed the required carrying capacity and to drive safely.

“Road safety remains paramount, even in times of Covid-19,” said Mbalula.

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