New COVID-19 Variant: We're Open For Business - South African Tourism

South African Tourism (SA Tourism) has responded to the news making the rounds concerning the latest reports of a new Covid-19 variant (B.1.1.529) in South Africa.

In an official press release, SA Tourism noted that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) on Friday, advised that 22 positive cases of the B.1.1.529 variant had been recorded in South Africa.

Although there is limited data at this stage, experts are working around the clock, using established surveillance systems to understand the new variant and to allow for the most effective interventions.

According to the agency, however, South African borders remain open and South Africa is ready to welcome leisure tourist and business events delegates from all over the world who wish to come to South Africa.

Inter-provincial travel also remains in place so people in South Africa can continue to explore and enjoy the many varied and fun things to do in the country.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, South Africa’s businesses have provided safe tourism products, venues and establishments by implementing and adhering to health and safety protocols.

The implementation of non-medical interventions such as compulsory wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and regular washing of hands as well as socially-distanced limited gatherings remain in place.