We answer your third wave questions

WHILE President Cyril Ramaphosa has not officially imposed any travel restrictions in Level 3, he did mention in his recent address that Gauteng, Free State, North West and Northern Cape were officially in a third wave. He said non-essential establishments, including restaurants and bars, will close at 9 pm.

We asked travel expert Modipadi Phoku to answer a few third wave travel related questions:

Do I book my holiday?

Booking a holiday, according to Phoku, depends on the travellers and any travel restrictions imposed by the government. She advised travellers to book holidays later this year if they were in no hurry to go on a trip. “Booking later in the year is advisable at the moment due to the high rate of Covid-19 transmission in winter. Rather wait until the weather is warmer and the number of Covid-19 cases decreases,” she said.

I booked my holiday. What do I do if the country imposes travel bans?

Phoku said travellers have the option to postpone their holidays to a later date if they are not comfortable travelling during the third wave.

“When Covid-19 hit South Africa last year, many travellers postponed their trips until they felt safe to do so. Reschedule your trip to another date and use the time to make it even more memorable,” added Phoku.

She advised that travellers also speak with the manager of their accommodation to reach an agreement on a new travel date.

I do not intend to postpone my trip. What’s next?

Phoku urged travellers who wanted to travel to follow Covid-19 protocols, like mask-wearing, hand sanitising and social distancing.

“If you want to travel, you are more than welcome, as long as there are no bans and you adhere to all regulations.

“Travellers should enjoy travel and choose holiday options according to their needs and desires,” she said.

Do you have any advice for me if I choose to travel?

Phoku said travellers should not panic. “Do not fear. If you heed to government’s regulations, you should be fine.”