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Many South Africans were stranded in foreign countries when the world imposed travel bans in March in a bid to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, addressed the media in Pretoria on December 14, 2020. Image: @ SAgovnews / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor on Monday urged South Africans to be cautious and draw lessons from those who had to be repatriated during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic.
Many were stranded in foreign countries when the world imposed travel bans in March in a bid to stem the spread of the pandemic.
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Pandor said that more than 30,000 people had to be repatriated to South Africa from around the world since the start of the pandemic with 350 flights, excluding those who used land borders.
Many South Africans are traveling internationally this holiday season and some to countries currently experiencing a second wave of infections.
Pandor warned those to make sure they know what the respective countries’ COVID-19 protocols are to avoid being stranded.
“The countries of the Northern Hemisphere are facing a second wave of pandemic. South Africans need to be careful when traveling to these countries as they may feel distressed or even helpless abroad awaiting levels of lockdown in the respective countries and with the likelihood that international flights will be canceled on short notice, ”he said. Pandor in a statement.
She added: “Please note that you will travel at your own risk to these countries knowing current circumstances and future uncertainties. Make sure you are familiar with the health and immigration requirements of the country you will visit and the health requirements of South Africa during the pandemic.
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“If you have any questions regarding the entry health requirements of the country you will be visiting, please contact your embassy in South Africa for assistance. If you need any clarity regarding the health entry requirements upon your return to SA, please see the Department of Health website. “
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