While South Africa is amending the COVID-19-related health regulations, people should not let their guard down, said Minister of Health Joe Phaahla on Tuesday.

Phaahla made the remarks while briefing the media following the announcement of the removal of the State of the National Disaster by President Cyril Ramaphos on Monday night.

"The country now has exited the State of Disaster as initially indicated by the government, however, the COVID-19 disease remains with us and continues to spread and infect people with rising numbers in other countries, forcing the authorities to re-initiate or re-introduce lockdowns as part of efforts to control the pandemic," said Phaahla.

He said the country will be in a transitional period for 30 days from Tuesday with certain regulations such as the wearing of masks indoors and providing a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test at large events remained for the next 30 days.

The government has published the Health Regulations under the National Health Act for public comment.

"There are Health Regulations under the National Health Act, that were gazetted for public comments until Saturday, April 16, 2022, to ensure that we continually have the mechanism to control and manage the resurgence of COVID-19 and an outbreak of any pandemic in the future," he said.

Phaahla called on the people to submit comments for the government to start processing the amendment.

He also called on people to get vaccinated to tackle COVID-19.

"Once we reach full cover, 70 percent full coverage, then there will be good enough protection that even these measures won't be required," he said.