Government of Namibia declares State of Emergency
On 17 March, the Government of Namibia declared a State of Emergency, also imposing a number travel bans and restrictions. Please click here for the full communication issued by the Government of Namibia.
City of Cape Town to close facilities to contain spread of COVID-19, encourages use of online services where possible
The City of Cape Town has noted the key containment and mitigation measures that are being implemented across the world and in South Africa in an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19. We have taken note of best practice from other affected countries and the success they have found in social distancing and […]
Employment Law & COVID-19: A guideline for travel businesses
By Novation Consulting Update: The Government has announced several initiatives relating to the UIF and COIDA and we are sure there will be more. The guidelines and press releases are confusing, but we are working hard to get clarity from the Department of Labour. There will be a webinar with ASATA’s legal counsel and a […]
SA Government Gazette: 18 March
The South African Government has released the Government Gazette on 18 March, outlining changes the updated Disaster Management amendments following the President’s declaration of a state of emergency. Click here to access the Government Gazette.
International SOS advises against non-essential international travel
International SOS is currently advising businesses to defer all non-essential international travel due to the impacts of COVID-19. This is the first time in its 35-year history that International SOS has recommended this action. Mick Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, Security Services at International SOS comments, “This unprecedented global advice to defer non-essential travel follows the […]
SAA extends trade support operation hours
SAA has extended its trade support hours by four hours. Normally trade support is available from 08h30 to 17h00. At present, the airline has extended opening hours from 08h30 to 21h00.
Hurtigruten temporarily suspends operations
As a response to the global coronavirus outbreak, Hurtigruten, will voluntarily stop operations from pole to pole until the end of April. – To temporarily suspend operations was a difficult decision to make. And it’s an emotional moment for me and the entire Hurtigruten team. But I firmly believe it is the only responsible decision […]
Qantas suspends all international flights
The Qantas Group has outlined the customer and employee impact of a huge drop in travel demand triggered by the public health response to the Coronavirus crisis. Earlier this week, cuts to 90 per cent of international flying and about 60 per cent of domestic flying were announced by Qantas and Jetstar. With the Federal Government […]
Withdrawal of visa exemption of COVID-19 risk countries
On 15 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that there would be a travel ban imposed on travellers from COVID-19 High-Risk Countries as determined by the World Health Organisation. To access the full list of withdrawn visa exemptions, please click here.
International SOS: COVID-19 Situation Update
In its latest virtual situation update on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak, International SOS experts Dr Mark Parrish and Giles Hall, provide insight into our recent change in travel advice as well as our recommendations for organisations in handling the pandemic. Due to the rapidly changing environment and scale of the pandemic, International SOS has issued […]