Travel plans still under threat despite infection rate dropping

Q AWhat is the Covid situation in South Africa?

South Africa has recorded the most cases of Covid-19 in Africa – over 1.5million, with 52,000 deaths (4.3million and 126,000 respectively in the UK). In January, South Africa, like many countries, confronted a second wave – one that was led by its own variant, with the peak of new cases in one 24-hour period reaching over 21,000 – but the number of daily cases since the start of 2021 has continued to fall.

On Monday, there were 599 new cases recorded – the lowest since mid-2020 – while the seven-day average has steadily fallen since January, and as of Monday was 1,203. Comparatively, on Monday in the UK there were 5,342 new cases, with a seven-day average of 5,485.

Qwhere are they with testing? A They have conducted over nine million Covid-19 tests. As of Monday, however, their testing rate was 0.45 tests per 1,000 people and, even in their January second wave, that rate only just got above one test per 1,000 people.

Conversely, the UK, with a not dissimilar population, has been performing about 20 tests per every 1,000 people, admittedly with a higher rate of infection.

and vaccinations?

Q

A gain – struggling. As of Sunday, there had been only 182,983 doses administered in a first vaccine wave that lasted 21 days and focused on frontline health workers.

As of yesterday in the UK, 28million people had received at least one dose. South Africa has had limited supplies, as well as fears about the effectiveness of the Astrazeneca jab against the country’s native strain.

Q AAre they allowing tourists into the country? Yes, but there are only three airports open – Tambo, King Shaka, and Cape Town – and all international arrivals must produce evidence of a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours, to officials upon arrival. Without this, tourists must quarantine for 10 days at their own expense.

The issue for the Lions is that South Africa is one of the UK’S “red list” countries, mainly due to the emergence of its variant, and there are strict restrictions on passengers arriving. Direct flights between South Africa and the UK have been suspended, too.

QIs it likely the tour can take place as planned? A No. The prospect of spectators being allowed in stadiums looks bleak, and it could be reduced capacity at best. The players are likely to have more hotel bubbles, more testing regimens and, perhaps, more self-isolation.