Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday issued a ban on leisure vessels entering South Africa’s eight seaports.

He also prohibited cargo vessels from changing crews once they dock as part of measures to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The ban is part of the new regulations the minister announced on Wednesday, which take immediate effect.

More than 1,700 people are stranded on a ship off the coast of Cape Town, due to fears that some might be carrying the virus.

“With effect from today, no cruise ships will be permitted to call into South African ports or will any be allowed to leave our shores,” Mbalula told a news conference in Cape Town yesterday.

“In essence, there is a total ban on cruise ships. This affects all leisure travellers,” he said, as South Africa’s coronavirus tally surpassed 110 confirmed cases.

Mbalula said six other passenger vessels were making their way towards South Africa as the new law took effect.

He added that it was vital to keep to supplies coming in and the economy running, thus all eight seaport operations and cargo handling work will continue.

The current regulations and measures do not prohibit trade. 

“Cargo ships will still be allowed to call into our ports to offload and to load cargo. This is to minimise the adverse effects of the virus on our economy and our global trade position,” he said.

To strengthen controls at ports, temperature screening measures will be put in place to screen anyone coming into the country.