/ AFP PHOTO / Phill Magakoe
SA still on red list discussed with the British Deputy High Commissioner
It was recently agreed upon that a joint team of scientists would advise the South African and British governments to get South Africa off the red list.
/ AFP PHOTO / Phill Magakoe
Minister Lindiwe Sisulu recently said the issues of South Africa still being on the UK’s red list of countries to travel to has been addressed, and a plan of action was set in place.
THE AGREEMENT WAS ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY
It was recently agreed that a team of scientists and advisors from South Africa and Britain would conduct further research into the Coronavirus Beta variant that has created the perception that South Africa is a COVID-19 hotspot.
According to Sisulu, the British government believes the Beta variant – which allegedly circumvents all vaccinations – of the Coronavirus is a South African variant.
“They are confusing the variant with South Africa because it was first detected here. But it does not mean it is a South African variant. We have agreed to have a joint team of scientists to advise the South African and British governments so they can get us out of the red and come with the right result.”
Sisulu mentioned this in her speech launch of the Summit.
“Reports have shown that tourism in countries with a high share of vaccinated people will rebound faster than in countries with a low share.”
Nearly 76-million vaccinations have been administered throughout Africa. South Africa alone has administered over 15-million vaccines and the country seems to show a downward trend in terms of infection rates. Yet Africa as a whole is still considered an unsafe destination.
“The AU also launched the Pan-African bio-surveillance technology called PanaBIOS that can track the spread of the Coronavirus and connect testing centres across the continent. Yet Africa as a whole is still considered a no-go zone. Many of our nations are on the UK red list of countries to avoid travelling to.”
ALSO READ: Germany no longer considers SA a high risk for travel – unlike the UK
Statistically, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly dented the tourism industry in Africa.
According to Statistics South Africa, all ten leading SADC countries have shown a decrease in inbound tourist numbers from 2019 to 2020.
“As we embark the new ways of doing business and hosting the peoples of the world, let’s draw lessons from the experiences of the pandemic and ensure that our business ways are more robust and agile for future sustainability. It is therefore important that we are aligned as a continent whilst reigniting the tourism industry. This is crucial to gain momentum within the sector, as it works towards an inclusive recovery.”
ALSO READ: Great news! South Africa is free from the Beta Covid variant
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