What South Africa’s Virus Protocols Tell Us About Balancing a Travel Economy With a Nation’s Health
Skift Take
South Africa is understandably cautious as it approaches winter, and doing all it can to stave off a health crisis. But its strict and prolonged protocols might end up doing more harm than good.
The coronavirus crisis is exposing flaws in South Africa’s corporate travel sector, and looks set to hit suppliers in an already fragile travel industry.
South Africa is playing the waiting game. Like many other countries across the continent, it quickly reacted to the threat of Covid-19. Borders were closed early on, and strict measures put in place for the public.
But its peak has yet to come. It expects the infection rate to be at its highest between July and September, coinciding with its traditional winter flu season. Scientists warn of up to 50,000 deaths and 3 million infections by the end of the year.
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On Monday, South Africa downgraded to phase three of its five-step lockdown plan. But its international borders will remain closed. Domestically, though, some airlines are preparing to fly again as business travel only will be permitted. As the lockdown continu
