Events

CCOVID - 19 STATUS ON SANCB EVENTS: 25 March 2020

The key focus of the SANCB during these uncertain times is to engage event owners and organisers and provide assistance in rescheduling the events to later dates. Our objective is to find alternative future dates and venues that suit the event owners and organisers to postpone, rather than cancel, these important business events. The SANCB is available to assist and support event owners and organisers during this unprecedent and challenging time and are contactable on convention@southafrica.net

Working together we can find solutions to support our industry - please click here for the document.

 

Africa's Travel Indaba: Postponed

Johannesburg, 16 March: Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Address to the nation yesterday on measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, the Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has confirmed that the tourism industry will play its role in effecting these measures. The first measure is to postpone Africa’s Travel INDABA, which was scheduled to take place from 12 to 14 May 2020. This step supports Cabinet’s decision to encourage social distancing by prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 people.

Sisa Ntshona, CEO of SA Tourism says, “We are in full support of the Minister’s decision and are duty bound to protect our nation and industry.”South African Tourism, through its National Convention Bureau (NCB), will be contacting participating exhibitors about the postponement. Further, the organisation will consult with the broader industry on workable future dates for INDABA. 

The newly instituted travel bans on foreign nationals from high-risk countries, including the cancellation of visas, will have a profound impact on the tourism sector. South African Tourism in conjunction with tourism industry stakeholders will collectively explore measures to ensure the sector’s recovery and to protect the sustainability and attractiveness of travel and tourism going forward. “We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for our industry as the repercussions of the virus reverberate through the entire value chain. We should use this opportunity to collaborate to find solutions beyond the current crisis, which will have long-term benefits for our country as a travel destination of choice”, says Ntshona.

Stakeholders are encouraged to visit www.southafrica.net for regular updates

 

FAQ'S

Q: How deadly is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 has high infectivity but low mortality
• Mortality rate ranges between 2 to 3%.
• Risk of death is higher in older citizens above 60 years and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Q: Why is there so much panic about this virus?

• The lack of verified facts and floating rumours.
• When a virus is new, we don’t know how it may affect citizens.

Q: Will I die if I catch the virus?

• Almost 80% of cases recover within 2 weeks.

Q: Who is getting sick and how?

• Older people are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.
• Most coronavirus led illnesses are mild, especially for children and young adults.

Q: Are children also at risk of infection?

• COVID-19 appears relatively rare and mild in children
• Over 2% cases were under 18 years of age.
• Fewer than 3% of the 2% developed critical condition.

Q: How exactly does the COVID-19 spread?

• Infected person can spread the infection to a healthy person through eye, nose and mouth, via droplets from coughing or sneezing;
• Close contact with infected person;
• And contact with contaminated surfaces, objects or items of personal use.

Q: Can COVID-19  be passed on through food?

• There’s no such evidence yet.
• Experience with other corona-like viruses do not spread through food.

Q: Can eating chicken or eggs cause COVID-19?

• There’s no such evidence produced yet.
• COVID-19 is not known to spread through poultry products. Experts however advice to have only properly cooked meat.

Q: Do I have COVID-19 if I’m coughing or sneezing?

• Suspicious symptoms for having COVID-19 are; fever, cough and shortness of breath.
• If you’ve recently travelled to a coronavirus-affected country like; China, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, etc). Or if you have close contact with such a person.
• If visiting a healthcare facility where coronavirus patience are treated.

Q: Should I be tested for COVID-19 if I have high fever, cough and difficulty breathing? Or can I test just for satisfaction?

• Testing can only be done when recommended by a doctor under ‘suspected case’

Q: Why can’t I get a COVID-19 home sample collection done for testing?

• Because the virus is highly contagious and can only be tested by special labs equipped to handle such pathogens.

Q: Can an infected person fully recover and no longer be infectious?

• About 80% have recovered without needing special treatment.

Q: Can coronavirus be treated?

• It can be treated through symptom based medical care, which has proven effective.
• There’s no vaccine for coronavirus yet.

Q: Can eating garlic prevent infection?

• There’s no science-based evidence that proves protection against coronavirus.

Q: How long does the virus survive over surfaces or objects?

• 8 - 10 hours over paper, untreated wood, cardboard and sponge. The virus survives longer than this over glass, plastic, metals and varnished wood.

Q: Should I be concern about my pets because of the outbreak?

• No cases have been reported of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.
• However it is recommended to ash your hands before and after you interact with your pets as you may not know if your pet’s fur may contain the droplets.

Q: How easily does COVID-19 spread?

• No cases have been reported of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.
• However it is recommended to ash your hands before and after you interact with your pets as you may not know if your pet’s fur may contain the droplets.

Q: How easily does COVID-19 spread?

• Covid-19 seems to be spreading easily and continually.
• Community spread is seen on in some affected areas like China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, etc.

Q: What happens if I contract COVID-19 while travelling?

• Your immediate response should be to stop everything else and make arrangements to ensure you’re treated at the appropriate medical facility.

Q: Can COVID-19 be spread through the air?

• Studies to date show that COVID-19 is mainly spread through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through air.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

• National hotline: 0800 029 999
• Whatsapp: 0600 123 456

Source: https://docs.google.com/gview?embedded=true&url=https://marketing-compaigns.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/emailer/Coronavirus+No-panic+helpguide+by+1mg.pdf