Safe travels during COVID-19 epidemic

With all the uncertainty around the global impact and spread of the COVID-19 virus, we are encouraging participants to travel back home. The South African government has placed a lot of restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus. This includes a ban on international travel.

The COVID-19 virus is easily transmitted and is highly contagious. It is transferred by droplets in the air or on surfaces. The symptoms may include fever, dry cough, difficulty breaking. The incubation period can last up to 14 days. Those infected can infect others during this period without knowing.

While those most at risk are the elderly and those with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions, this should still be considered serious as you might spread the disease.

Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United States is considered a high-risk country and we encourage you to take special safety precautions to stay safe during your travels travelling back home. Here is a list of suggested measures that you can take to keep yourself and others safe:

Finally, and you can read more about this on our blog post here

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser regularly;
• Cough and sneeze into the corner of your elbow or into a paper tissue and dispose of it immediately;
• You may choose to wear a mask, however, there is no scientific evidence to prove that it will protect you 100%, however, wearing a mask can be a precaution to be used to prevent the spread of the virus or to make you more conscience;
• There will be screening and testing at both Miami International Airport and upon arrival. The screening will include taking of temperature and completing a symptom questionnaire;
• Being quarantined for 14 days under surveillance is essential.

For more safety information and updates about the COVID-19 epidemic, visit the World Health Organisations’ (WHO) website here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019