Eastern Cape game reserves shut down operations as virus hits province

Establishments catering to tourists have resorted to closing their doors or putting in place stringent  precautionary measures since the coronavirus outbreak.

There are now two confirmed cases in the Eastern Cape, the latest being a German tourist currently in isolation at a Chintsa holiday resort.

Crawfords Beach Lodge in Chintsa has ceased operations, but Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve has also closed its doors.

Director Graham Stanton said the reserve had already implemented all the recommended  procedures and protocols to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

“Due to our social responsibility to our guests and local community we have decided to enter a phase one shutdown,” Stanton said.

The reserve will be closed from Tuesday until April 6.

“The situation will then be reassessed. No entrance will be allowed onto the reserve without prior telephonic arrangement during this period. Personnel will be in attendance on the reserve during this time and will be available telephonically,” Stanton said.

Staff have been sent home and will earn their salaries as per normal.

Shamwari Private Reserve at Paterson has  shut most of its lodges.

General manager Theo Cromhout said: “We are washing hands, using sanitisers and have face masks for the employees. We are taking the precautions as far we can to protect the staff who are still at work. We have eight lodges at Shamwari and we have opened one. There are very few bookings at this time,” he said.

Makana's Pumba Private Game Reserve international sales manager and group public relations officer, Mandy Bage, said: “ Everything [precautionary measures] has been implemented in our lodges.

“As you can imagine, business has quietened down due to the coronavirus outbreak. The staff and properties are all adhering to the strict guidelines. We have not had any incidents on any of our properties,” she said.

Local tour guides are feeling the pinch.

Siseko Yelani of East London-based Ncuthu Tours said he had to cancel tours planned for this week.

“I had a planned guide for April 1 but we had to cancel because of the fear of the virus,” he said.

SA National Parks will remain open.

SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni said  hygiene protocols in accordance with the WHO guidelines were being implemented.

“We are taking extra measures to enhance cleaning and hygiene protocols in all our parks. Furthermore, we are working closely with a team of experts from the health and tourism sector to assess and guide interventions on a daily basis,” he said.

“In these trying times, it may come as some relief to people weary of disease outbreak concerns that SANParks, with the wide open spaces, low-density tourist numbers, self-drive and self-catering accommodation options, is still able to provide excellent opportunities for isolation, rest and relaxation.”