Four nature reserves identified as quarantine sites
The tourism industry stakeholders have also identified sites that can be used for quarantine purposes and the list has been submitted to the Tourism Business Council of South Africa.
Following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on March on Monday that the country will go on a lockdown effective midnight, 26 March to April 16, 2020, a number of measures will be implemented by the Mpumalanga Tourism Parks Agency (MTPA) to ensure that we comply with the lockdown guidelines.
The following provincial nature reserves have been identified as quarantine sites by the national Department of Health with the estimated number of beds available:
*SS Skosana (36 beds)
*Andover (14 beds)
*Manyeleti (285 beds)
*Kromdraai Camp (120 beds)
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“All our provincial nature reserves including those on the popular Panorama route like Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Three Rondavels and Pinnacle will be closed to the public effective from Wednesday, March 25 at 16:00.
Our essential services staff like Field Rangers and all those in the Wildlife Management programme will continue to work and ensure the safety of our biological assets”, said Johannes Nobunga, Chief Executive Officer of MTPA.
“Those officials offering essential services will continue to comply with the hygiene protocols in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The MTPA has undertaken steps to make provision of sanitizers in our various nature reserves and the necessary protective clothing for our staff.”
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We are hopeful that these extra measures will assist in ensuring that we maintain a hygienic environment for those officials that will be on duty during the lockdown period”, added Nobunga.
The additional quarantine sites within the province include the MRTT Hotel School in KaNyamazane, The Royal Hotel in Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop Lodge and all boarding schools.
