COVID-19 Coronavirus UPDATES, BANS, CLOSURES, ADVISORY, etc.

[BRICKBURN]

Updated March 10, 2020
Country-Specific Information

• South Africa has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
• The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has activated its Emergency Operations Center that is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments. In addition, NICD is performing laboratory testing for the disease.
• Only the Minister of Health Dr. Zwelini Mkhize is designated to officially confirm COVID-19 cases.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• South Africa has no apparent restrictions on travel to and from China. All travelers arriving from China must complete a traveler questionnaire with contact information and recent COVID-19 exposure. There are infrared thermometers and health personnel at all ports of entry (air, sea, and land) for screening passengers.

Quarantine Information

• Quarantine and self-isolation procedures are currently in place. South Africa has designated 10 hospitals as primary treatment sites for COVID-2019, if needed.

 

[Bignut]

Yeah, I just got off the phone with them about it. They said they would reimburse for medical expenses while overseas but wouldn’t do emergency transport back to the states or anything really I would want it for if the case arises that I was unable to get home if it was causes of the coronavirus for travel etc. just emailed my outfitter to see what my options will be if I have to reschedule for next year (I’ve already wired my safari funds IN FULL) so I guess I’ll be waiting till last minute to make sure I’m able to get there and back during my timeline. So bummed being my first safari in SA.

We are in the same boat as your self. We are to leave on May 10th. Paid in full, and bought tickets months ago. It was to be the first trip for all 4 of us, now we need to decide our next step. I think we are going to wait a bit to see how things play out before we get too rash, but this trip was all the money we had to spare so we naturally are a bit worried.

 

[Bignut]

View attachment 335279
Updated March 10, 2020
Country-Specific Information

• South Africa has confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders.
• The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has activated its Emergency Operations Center that is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments. In addition, NICD is performing laboratory testing for the disease.
• Only the Minister of Health Dr. Zwelini Mkhize is designated to officially confirm COVID-19 cases.

Entry and Exit Requirements

• South Africa has no apparent restrictions on travel to and from China. All travelers arriving from China must complete a traveler questionnaire with contact information and recent COVID-19 exposure. There are infrared thermometers and health personnel at all ports of entry (air, sea, and land) for screening passengers.

Quarantine Information

• Quarantine and self-isolation procedures are currently in place. South Africa has designated 10 hospitals as primary treatment sites for COVID-2019, if needed.

Balls

 

[Newboomer]

I would wait as long as you can to buy your tickets. The tickets you get might be cancelled. Airlines are cutting flights and will probably continue to do so as demand dries up. The fewer in transit locations you go through the better. Trump just said no flights from Europe for 30 days. What happens if this is extended. Probably better to buy tickets direct from USA to RSA.

You might start talking to your outfitter about options.

I would suggest talking with your outfitter and rescheduling to next year and let this thing go away.

 

[Foxi]

The one thing I failed to mention regarding the financial markets are the derivatives markets. The problem is no one knows how big the derivatives market really is. World GDP is around $80-85 trillion. Total assets in the entire world, excluding derivatives are around that same number. Some estimates have the derivatives market at over $1 quadrillion. This is multiples of GDP and assets of the world.

Remember what happened when derivatives were triggered in 2008, when we had far fewer derivatives, and the world was better equipped to handle the losses. ie: USA debt in 2008 was $10 trillion. It is now $23 trillion. What if bailouts now amounted to tens of trillions of dollars instead of a trillion or so. At what point is debased currency accepted. I don't know. It is just a question everyone should ask themselves.

If a few derivatives get triggered, there is a decent chance it will trigger others and start a chain reaction. Where does it start and where does it end is anybodies guess.

Call me strange, but my mind finds satisfaction in studying and gaming out the macro. I am not a financial adviser and I am not trying to scare anybody. Everybody should make their own decisions. All I am trying to do is provide information to friends and people in my community, that they may not have considered before.

All the best and I hope things go well for everyone!

A derivative is a betting slip without any intrinsic value.
There is a whole universe of money (and hope) in it.
My goodness.

 

[KAROO WILD Safaris]

A derivative is a betting slip without any intrinsic value.
There is a whole universe of money (and hope) in it.
My goodness.

Wheels- it would seem to be a good time to invest in the US markets but despite the virus related crash it would seem it’s still high related to previous years. One would still be investing at the top end (S&P 500). Do you think there’s still a non virus related correction coming into the market in the short term. I believe everything in economics is cyclical and don’t want to get in at the top. Would appreciate your Insight.

 

[LivingTheDream]

I think we were overbought, the virus was an excuse to take profits and blow off some steam. The last few months made no sense why it was going up. We have now hit bear market territory which makes me think we are getting close to oversold.

That coupled with the fact that the fed is pumping dollars into the economy, interest rates are being lowered, and now they are looking at tax breaks and incentives to hand out makes me think that when this blows over, the market will immediately take off. The big boys will make billions.

The next correction will be the bad one as it will truly be based on a bubble of cheap money and not on solid financials. Just my opinion and not financial advice.

 

[BRICKBURN]

W.H.O. DECLARES A PANDEMIC

"11 March 2020
In the past two weeks, the number of cases of COVID-19 outside China has increased 13-fold, and the number of affected countries has tripled.

There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives.

Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals.

In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of cases, the number of deaths, and the number of affected countries climb even higher.

WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction.

We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.

Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death."

https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/det...he-media-briefing-on-covid-19---11-march-2020

 

[BAYLY SIPPEL SAFARIS]

Unbelievable the panic the media can create!

 

[mikecatt13]

What do you guys think the cost is on paying WHO to issue that statement?

I bet for the same money we could have a vaccine and a cure. I bet for the same money we couldve done a lot of good in the world, feeding hungry people, clean drinking water, who knows what else.

It's clearly time to show the media their BS is not tolerated, but how the heck do you do that?! This absolutely ridiculous and is hurting so many people. Many millions lost in the stock market, just look at our little niche, how many bookings are effected and the trickle down to safari operators, staff, locals, anti poaching...

 

[BRICKBURN]

The US Department of State:

Global Health Advisory
March 11, 2020
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.

You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments.

Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.

If you decide to travel abroad:

• Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
• Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
• Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Unbelievable the panic the media can create!

View attachment 335395

Where is this from?

 

[Cody hunt4life]

We are in the same boat as your self. We are to leave on May 10th. Paid in full, and bought tickets months ago. It was to be the first trip for all 4 of us, now we need to decide our next step. I think we are going to wait a bit to see how things play out before we get too rash, but this trip was all the money we had to spare so we naturally are a bit worried.

I’m in the same boat being my first trip, but traveling alone and debating on when to buy my airfare. I planned to pay for it this upcoming Tuesday as in my experience Tuesday approx 80 days out after 3pm is when you have the best chances at a deal so I’ve been holding out. Luckily my outfitter said they will move and change as needed no problem but now I’m worried about non-refundable airfare as I can’t afford an extra $4k for a refundable ticket as that’s my taxidermy money. I think I’m just going to buy my ticket and pray it all works out.

 

[mikecatt13]

I’m in the same boat being my first trip, but traveling alone and debating on when to buy my airfare. I planned to pay for it this upcoming Tuesday as in my experience Tuesday approx 80 days out after 3pm is when you have the best chances at a deal so I’ve been holding out. Luckily my outfitter said they will move and change as needed no problem but now I’m worried about non-refundable airfare as I can’t afford an extra $4k for a refundable ticket as that’s my taxidermy money. I think I’m just going to buy my ticket and pray it all works out.

Some airlines are offering free changes etc for tickets purchased after march 1, I believe delta is one. Worth looking in to

 

[Cody hunt4life]

Some airlines are offering free changes etc for tickets purchased after march 1, I believe delta is one. Worth looking in to

Yes they are. My only concern is if I would be able to schedule during the Kudu rut the following May/June 2021 or not. Online it said anyone who purchases their tickets from March 1-31st they will waive fee. But still a little unclear on if I would have to actually travel or just book my flight change by Feb 2021

 

[Standard Velocity]

What do you guys think the cost is on paying WHO to issue that statement?

I bet for the same money we could have a vaccine and a cure. I bet for the same money we couldve done a lot of good in the world, feeding hungry people, clean drinking water, who knows what else.

It's clearly time to show the media their BS is not tolerated, but how the heck do you do that?! This absolutely ridiculous and is hurting so many people. Many millions lost in the stock market, just look at our little niche, how many bookings are effected and the trickle down to safari operators, staff, locals, anti poaching...

No. Just no.

It is terrible that people will lose money due to the global spread of this virus. Let’s not pretend it is made up or a fiction of the media though. People will get sick and some will die.

Parroting the talking heads on Fox will not fix this. Much of the news media is “Chicken Little” because it’s the sizzle that sells. I understand being incredulous of anyone who’s squawking about the end of the world.

Ignoring science, denying facts and claiming conspiracy theories will solve nothing. Pandemics are inconvenient as hell.

Does news coverage of hurricanes, floods or earthquakes cause the financial loss or is it the natural disaster? I’m not willing to ponder a “chicken or the egg” scenario on this one. Maybe it’s brash to assert that it was the lava flow that ate the village and not MSNBC.

 

[Brent in Az]

The media ghouls are loving it. Non stop Coronavirus fear mongering.

 

[wesheltonj]

Well, now I am concerned no Europe travel for the next 30 days. Glad I am not leaving until school is out.

 

[mikecatt13]

No. Just no.

It is terrible that people will lose money due to the global spread of this virus. Let’s not pretend it is made up or a fiction of the media though. People will get sick and some will die.

Parroting the talking heads on Fox will not fix this. Much of the news media is “Chicken Little” because it’s the sizzle that sells. I understand being incredulous of anyone who’s squawking about the end of the world.

Ignoring science, denying facts and claiming conspiracy theories will solve nothing. Pandemics are inconvenient as hell.

Does news coverage of hurricanes, floods or earthquakes cause the financial loss or is it the natural disaster? I’m not willing to ponder a “chicken or the egg” scenario on this one. Maybe it’s brash to assert that it was the lava flow that ate the village and not MSNBC.

Sorry but the science supports the facts that the panic is media hype. Yes, people are getting sick, but that happens every day. The "normal" flu is still more contagious, has a higher rate of reported cases, and has a higher death rate too. The media is manipulating numbers and facts, surprise surprise. It's a horrifying truth that they would do this selfishly with no regard to the consequences to others, but the truth it is.

Pretty much every other outbreak of the last 2 decades has had more cases and more deaths at the same time period past discovery, covid 19 is just getting more media coverage. The suspected specifics of their motivation are particularly embarrassing for the US, but in the end it comes down to money

 

[gizmo]

I hope all the panic and fear mongering ends soon. Yes it’s a real thing but no it isn’t the start of the zombie apocalypse. I leave for RSA in September for my 2nd Safari, I have busted my ass for 5 years to pay for this trip and it’s going to be heart breaking if the media creates such a stir that I’m not able to go.
This crap has gotten out of hand. They cancelled the Houston Stock Show on the last day and assed out 100’s of kids who have been working their butts off all year. Not to mention the Seniors who just had their biggest and last show stolen from them. Its ridiculous.
Yes the Corona virus is real, yes some people have died but when put in perspective, say to the common flu, it’s not that big of a damn deal. Corona virus for the most part is effecting the elderly and infants or those with respiratory problems ultimately causing pneumonia and that where the deaths come in. Same as the common flu. This has a lot more to do with the media latching on to something to create mass hysteria and boost ratings. At least in the states, it didn’t get near the coverage until the Democrats jumped up and spun it to take a jab at Trump, then it took off.