Plettenberg Bay and COVID-19
More than ever, it is important to remain calm and not give credence to fake news, unverified information or social media stories that may lead to unnecessary panic. Be sure that your staff and any guests know where to find accurate information.
We have compiled a list of credible resources for you to stay up-to-date with the latest news and necessary documentation relating to the tourism industry and the Corona virus outbreak. A list of known fake news can also be found below.
If you find any of this information is unverified, incorrect or needs to be updated, please send your credible and reliable information to projects@pletttourism.com. However, please do not send unnecessary and/or unfounded rumours or fake news. We are working around the clock to bring you factual information.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy journey through this difficult time.
PLETT TOURISM OFFICIAL MEDIA RELEASES
- Garden Route COVID-19 testing sites and new hospital visiting hours
- Plettenberg Bay’s tourism industry and the COVID-19 virus
- Mailer #1: COVID-19 News for Plettenberg Bay’s Tourism Industry
- Mailer #2: Restaurants of Plett… COVID-19 News
- Mailer #3: Guests from countries that are considered high risk
- From the CEO’s desk – The Corona virus – Take it seriously and act responsibly
- Mailer #4: We need you to send us your COVID-19 questions
HOSPITALISATION
- Garden Route COVID-19 testing sites and new hospital visiting hours
- Patients testing positive and requiring treatment for COVID-19 will be treated at one of these hospitals
CORONA VIRUS NEWS
- Fancourt member tests positive for COVID-19
- Latest outbreak news from The Dept. of Health
- Covid-19 situation reports
- Travel advice for South Africans travelling
- Food safety and hand-washing tips
- SAA suspends all international flights until end of May
- Companies facing distress due to the pandemic to be assisted – Employment and Labour
- Bitou Municipality holds stakeholder meeting regarding COVID-19
- President Ramaphosa announces 21 Day Lock-down throughout South Africa
- Decontamination of Plett – Herald Live
- Plett disinfects high risk areas in town and surrounding areas
FAKE NEWS
A list of known fake news circulating on Social Media has been published here. If you have received a message via social media and you are unsure whether it may be factual or a hoax, click here to check before you forward it to others. If you do not find the message listed on the above website and you are still unsure, don’t forward it.
FAKE NEWS CURRENTLY CIRCULATING
Remember: Fake news about Corona virus is punishable with a fine or a prison sentence.
Here’s what can happen to you if you spread fake news
SURVEYS
- SATSA Survey for all Tourism Products
- Western Cape Department of Health Survey for all Tourism Products
- Garden Route District Municipality Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on our district
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What does Lockdown mean for the Tourism Industry? FAQs
- What does Lockdown mean for you and me? FAQs
- COVID-19 and the Agricultural Sector: FAQS
TRANSPORT
- Government issues transport Gazettes for COVID-19 lockdown
- Air Seychelles suspends international flights temporarily
- Kenya Airways suspends all international flights
- Qantas ticket holders can cancel booking and hold ticket in credit
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
- Tips on staying safe from the Do More Foundation (PDF)
- Coronavirus: No-Panic Helpguide (PDF)
- Hello Virus booklet to help children understand the threat (PDF)
- TravelStart expert help
- Association of South African Travel Agents (ASATA)
- Bitou Municipality news on Corona Virus
- COVID-19 Cancellation Policy Template for Tourism Business
- Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
- Restaurant Trading Hours
- South African government COVID-19 service
- South African Government Labour Policies as it relates to business and employees and the effect of COVID-19 (State Aid, UIF Reprieve, Labour Assistance, Special Leave Provisions)
- South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- International Air Services Act (60/1993) and other Acts as it relates to International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the Movement of Air Travel) Regulations
- South African Government Disaster Management Act in relation to COVID-19
- Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) accommodation COVID-19 information
- Voice message to Plett restaurant owners from Wendy Alberts from RASA regarding new regulations
- Important notice regarding guests from countries that are considered high risk, as confirmed on 22 Mar 2020 by Wesgro
- COVID-19 FAQs from SATSA (PDF)
- COVID-19 Agricultural Sector Guidelines in the President’s address to the nation (PDF)
- Notice to the Restaurant Industry regarding the national lock-down from the Minister of Tourism
- Online Self Assessment for COVID-19 – Check your symptoms
- Health and risk assessment information for travellers and accommodation establishments
- Which businesses will stay open during COVID-19 lockdown?
- Get involved – how you can help #OnePlett
- Know your Employment Rights
- Department of Communications gazette regarding “dissemination of information” in RSA
- How to sterilize your groceries after shopping (VIDEO)
- UIF is processing applications electronically
- Step by Step Guide to Claiming UIF – EasyAid
- Shops in Plett offering free and paid delivery service for groceries
- Cape Town and Western Cape launches COVID-19 support finder
- SAT webinar for tourism recovery
DOCUMENTS, FORMS, PERMITS
- Government Gazette No. 43107
- Trade & Industry special Gazette (Retail exemptions) 43134
- Government Gazette No. 11062
- Application form to perform an essential service
- Disaster Management Act from Minister of Social Development
COVID-19 OFFICIAL INFORMATION HOTLINES
- TOURIST ASSIST PROGRAMME HELP LINE: 082 972 2507
- GENERAL PUBLIC HOTLINE: 080 002 9999
- WESTERN CAPE TOURISM HOTLINE: 021 928 4102
- SA WHATSAPP GROUP RE CORONA VIRUS UPDATES: To sign-up, WhatsApp the word ‘Hi’ to 060 012 3456
HIGH RISK COUNTRIES: Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland, the USA, the UK and China
CONTACT DETAILS FOR INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS IN SA
Click here for a full list of embassies located in South Africa
BUSINESSES & SMMEs INFORMATION
- Statement by Minister Ntshavheni on Government Measures for SMMEs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Checklist for SATSA members
REGULATIONS
New government regulations are in place to curb the spread of Corona virus COVID-19. Please make yourself familiar with them.
PRECAUTIONS
Plett Tourism has prepared a handy info-graphic which you can download and print (PDF) and display in your establishment to help guests minimize the possibility of spreading or contracting the virus.
TOOLKIT
To assist you in getting the word out to your employees, customers and family, please print and display the following media in and around your premises where applicable:
HOTLINE
AUDIO/PODCASTS/WEBINARS
SATSA national webinar focussed on COVID-19
Voice message for restaurant owners from Wendy Alberts of RASA
The information and action responses is jointly coordinated by Bitou Municipality Economic Development Section and Plett Tourism in the interest of mitigating the risk of COVID-19 and maintaining a positive response to the Bitou economy.
