Die Burger reports that scores of tourists who were meant to be travelling to South Africa in August, September and October have cancelled their air tickets and accommodation bookings out of fear that they might contract the virus while on the African continent.
According to David Frost, executive head of the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), a group of 1 500 tourists from Thailand who were set to visit the country in September have cancelled their trip, while smaller groups from Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and Japan have done the same.
Tour operators fear that if someone should test positive, it would cause mass hysteria and lead to absolute chaos in the tourism industry.
This comes after a man was admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Sunday to be tested for the dreaded haemorrhagic disease.
The department of health has, however, said that the chances are slim the South African will test positive.
In the meantime, all ports of entry into South Africa are being closely monitored. Special thermal scanners have been set up at International airports to aid in screening passengers who have raised temperatures.
Once identified, the travellers will be assessed by medical officials at the necessary facilities available, with special attention being given to patients with a travel history to West Africa.
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*Note: Views expressed in the commentaries on this website are those of individual authors and not necessarily those of PEFM 87.6or our presenters or correspondents. Quotes are obviously the opinion of the source. A quote is just a quote and these are offered without comment. Use of a news story or commentary is not an endorsement of the source website.
PEFM 87.6
Follow us on Twitter:
@PEFMnews
International Correspondent Scott Congdon can be reached at:
Mail: scottcpefm@gmail.com
Phone: 010 500 8203 (in South Africa) (Available 3-5pm SAST weekdays)
011 27 10 500 8203 (calling from outside of South Africa) (Available 3-5pm SAST weekdays)
*Note: Views expressed in the commentaries on this website are those of individual authors and not necessarily those of PEFM 87.6or our presenters or correspondents. Quotes are obviously the opinion of the source. A quote is just a quote and these are offered without comment. Use of a news story or commentary is not an endorsement of the source website.
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