The UK is one of South Africa’s key markets, and with the December holidays fast approaching, the tourism industry has been left frustrated as South Africa remains on the UK’s infamous Red List.
However, there may be some glimmer of hope as SA scientists have held a seven-person virtual meet-up with UK scientists on Monday to discuss why South Africa remains on the UK’s red list, reports EWN. The discussion focused on“ the latest trends around Covid-19, respective Covid-19 testing strategies, and the prevalence and risk posed to our vaccination programmes by variants of concern”.
“The UK and SA are both leading scientific nations and the meeting was initiated by the UK high commission and South African government to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate sharing of information. The UK side expressed its gratitude to SA experts for their willingness to share both data and expertise.
“The insights provided will feed into the next review of UK border measures which is due to take place within the next fortnight,” read a statement by the South Africa Health Department.
According to Times Live, the aim of this meeting was to address concerns regarding the COVID Beta variant within South Africa. While the UK remains firm on its decision to keep South Africa on the red list, this is perhaps the first step to ensuring that SA will soon be welcoming British travellers.
Meanwhile, Cape Town Tourism has joined forces with Vodacom, City Sightseeing ‘Red Bus’ and other organisations to let ‘vaxxed’ individuals explore some of the city’s finest attractions at reduced prices. The hope is to incentivise vaccinations within Cape Town in order for more people to get vaccinated.
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Cape Town Tourism to let ‘vaxxed’ people explore city attractions at reduced prices
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