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This afternoon, two repatriation flights for citizens of the United States departed South Africa. The first left at approximately 2:35pm from the Cape Town International Airport after leaving the King Shaka International Airport in Kwa-Zulu Natal this morning. The second flight departed at 4:15pm from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. We anticipate a third flight departing Cape Town tomorrow morning. Together, these flights, all bound for Washington D.C., will bring over 900 Americans from South Africa back to the United States. 

“The Department of State has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We are rising to meet the historic challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and, as on today, the Department has repatriated over 52,000 citizens, on over 519 flights, from over 98 countries,” U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Lana Marks said. “We are so grateful to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Transport, and Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) for their support and excellent collaboration in facilitating the departure of the American citizens currently flying home.” 

All passengers were screened for COVID-19 symptoms by South African health officials before boarding, and all airport, airline, and U.S. Mission personnel followed all recommended protocols for personal protection and distancing throughout the repatriation operation. Once in the United States, all passengers will need to self-quarantine for 14 days. 

Issued by The U.S. Embassy