The manager of both Palm and Adelante Lodge in Bloemfontein, Cecilia Huisamen, says they are returning to some kind of normality, which is a good thing. However, people should ensure that they get vaccinated. She says she believes business will pick up as regulations ease up.

The general manager of the Bon Hotel in Bloemfontein, Pieter van Rooyen, was also adamant that business will pick up in the tourism sector.

“There has been a slight improvement but it’s still not back to normal, [back to] where we were operating pre-pandemic - that will still take some time. The future is a bit difficult to predict at the moment because things can change very quickly. I am very hopeful that this year will be a better year for us,” adds Van Rooyen.

Meanwhile, the cabinet approved adjusted alert level 1 Covid-19 regulations, which include an isolation period of 7 days if a person tests positive with symptoms, while those who test positive with no symptoms no longer have to isolate. Those who were in contact with a person who tested positive, no longer have to isolate unless they develop symptoms.

OFM News