Pretoria News Weekend Saturday, October 3, 2020

HIGH RISK You can fly ... but where to and from is up in the air Travel agents come to terms with the raft of regulations STAFF REPORTERS THERE is confusion and frustration over the ban on visitors from countries deemed high risk, with those in the travel industry still trying to come to terms with the raft of regulations. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula yesterday reiterated that tourists from a list of 60 countries considered to have a high risk of Covid-19 were not allowed to travel to South Africa at this stage, despite the opening of borders from October 1. No-go countries include the UK, the US, France and the Netherlands which feature among the top countries of origin for tourists to South Africa in the summer months,…

› LEVEL 1 Islands lure travellers as safe escape INDIAN Ocean tropical islands and local coastal holiday spots are expected to be among the most popular destinations for South Africans in the coming months. With the fluidity of the list of international destinations which have travel restrictions, travel companies such as Flight Centre expect South Africans to play it safe rather than have their holiday plans disrupted. Flight Centre has welcomed the gradual opening up of South Africa’s borders, but warns that travel is quite complex at this stage. While the gradual reopening of South Africa’s borders from 1 October has been widely welcomed, travellers must prepare for much more paperwork and delays at check in to ensure they are allowed to travel. Andrew Stark, Flight Centre Travel Group managing…

RESEARCH Covid-19 expected to return, like flu SHAUN SMILLIE AS SOUTH Africans once again enjoy overseas travel and more freedom, in Europe a second wave of the Covid-19 virus is wreaking havoc as infection rates rise and renewed lockdowns loom. South Africa might have seen a dramatic drop in infections over the past two months, but the fear is will the country be hit by a devastating second wave or resurgence? And research suggests that it is coming, and will be with us early next year. Then it will return the same time, every year. A new study released by Wits University suggests that the Covid-19 virus might start following a seasonal cycle, just like the flu. “In South Africa, we are over our first peak. Now the big question…

› SPECIALS Celebrate Loot’s 17th birthday THIS month, Loot turns 17. For the past 17 years, Loot has been one of South Africa’s most trusted online general merchants. Loot stocks everything from fragrances, make-up, toys, books and groceries, to dog beds, computers, treadmills, generators and so much more. To celebrate our birthday, we are launching 17 different deals throughout the month. Be sure to keep an eye on our newsletters and social channels, else you will miss out on our great offers, all only valid for a limited time. Our birthday offers launched today with 10% off when purchasing 2 or more books from selected categories. Other deals will see big savings, coupons, free delivery and many more exciting offers. Loot is always trying to improve its service and offering.…

TOURISM Paradise in the heart of Kruger WITH the announcement of level 1 of lockdown there has been a rush on top local tourist destinations with the Kruger National Park a firm favourite. There is much to choose from when it comes to accommodation, but in the heart of Kruger, accessed at Orpen Gate, lies the private Mluwati Concession and the exclusive Imbali Safari Lodge. The 100km2 concession is in the western region of the park, bordering Sabi Sands and Manyeleti game reserves. Each private suite at Imbali comes with its own plunge pool with a vista of the park beyond. Imbali guests experience memorable sightings from the comfort of their suites and it is a birders’ paradise. Daily game drives with experienced rangers both in the concession and the…

U N Call to protect natural heritage South Africa has high levels of species endemism, species found only in our country and nowhere else VAL BOJE JACQUES NAUDE African News Agency (ANA) BIODIVERSITY has been in the spotlight this week, with the virtual Summit on Biodiversity on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 75th UN General Assembly (UNGA75). The summit saw a call to action on climate change and the destruction of the natural environment, with president of the UN General Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, stating that “our existence on this planet depends entirely on our ability to protect the natural world around us”. Yet, he said, despite the importance of biodiversity, the world lost 13 million hectares of forest every year, and one million species were at risk…