Tag: South Africa

Omicron COVID-19 Variant Prompts US To Suspend Travel From Eight African Countries

The Republic of South Africa informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of a new B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of SARS-CoV-2, in late November. That notice led the Biden Administration to announce the suspension of travel and restricted entry into the United States, which went into effect on Nov. 29, 2021.

At the moment, these travel restrictions appear to apply to individuals who were physically present – during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States – within the Republic of Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Namibia, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe.

These travel restrictions do not apply to the following:

  • U.S. citizens and their spouses
  • Lawful permanent residents and their spouses
  • U.S. military personnel, their spouses and children
  • Parents or guardians of unmarried U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and U.S. military personnel under the age of twenty-one
  • Siblings of U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and U.S. military personnel under the age of 21, all of whom must be unmarried and under 21 years of age

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided clarification for international travelers, regardless of their vaccination status:

  • For fully vaccinated individuals, a viral test must be conducted no more than three days (72 hours) before the flight’s departure from the designated foreign country along with proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals should bear in mind that the testing period may be reduced to 24 or 48 hours before boarding and should check with their respective airlines prior to departure.
  • For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, a viral test must be conducted no more than one day (24 hours) before the flight’s departure from the designated foreign country. A quarantine requirement is also under consideration.

Consideration should be taken for limiting international travel at present, since circumstances and requirements are changing rapidly.

This article was written by Tejas Shah, Sarah J. Hawk, Michael E. Durham, M. Mercedes Badida-Tavas and Mandira Sethi of Barnes and Thornburg law firm. For more information regarding COVID travel bans, please click here.

Drones Over Kenya and South Africa?

Covington BUrling Law Firm

Similar to the growing U.S. interest in exploring civilian uses of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), efforts are underway across the African continent to deploy UAS in innovative ways such as protecting wildlife, expanding internet connectivity to isolated communities, and delivering humanitarian aid.  In Kenya, Dickens Olewe and his African SkyCAM project is helping journalists to revolutionize their news reporting and coverage.

The winner of the inaugural African News Innovation Challenge, African SkyCAM “establishes Africa’s first newsroom-based ‘eye in the sky’ drones and camera-equipped balloons to help media that cannot afford news helicopters cover breaking news in dangerous situations or difficult-to-reach locations.”  It has the potential to address two of the main shortcomings faced by traditional news media in the region.  First, journalists who lack financial and technological resources to conduct remote reporting often are “‘risking life and equipment’” to get their story.  Second, by not resorting to state-owned UAS, journalists are able to maintain editorial independence in their reporting.

Use of UAS for journalism and other civilian purposes in the region is facing the same regulatory challenges which are delaying their widespread deployment in the U.S.  Although the Kenyan government has not yet established a regulatory framework for civilian UAS, it has indefinitely grounded both the Flying Donkey Challenge (a high-profile, Swiss-funded competition to develop flying robots which are capable of carrying heavy cargo over long distances) and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s wildlife surveillance drone.  Similarly, earlier this year, the South African Civil Aviation Authority announced a “clampdown” on civilian UAS, a warning that some observers believe has chilled this nascent industry.  However, it is promising that the South African government has stated that it is “cognizant of the urgent need and demand for UAS usage” and that it will be releasing an interim guidance document by March 31st of next year.  In addition, South Africa and other countries in the International Civil Aviation Organisation Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Group are continuing to work to develop a safe and harmonised regulatory framework.

In the meantime, African SkyCAM (which is looking to expand to Mozambique and Namibia) and others will need to pay careful attention to finding the proper balance between business, compliance, and innovation.

ARTICLE BY

Mipe Okunseinde
 
OF 
Covington & Burling LLP