TBCSA calls on government to remove COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travelers

The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) is calling on government to remove the Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers who intend on entering the country.

The National Coronavirus Command Council is expected to meet this week to review the current COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

TBCSA’s CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says travelers chose destinations that are easy to travel to.

“Travelers who are fully vaccinated should be allowed to enter the country without presenting a PCR tests because they are fully vaccinated. For those who are not fully vaccinated, they must produce a PCR test. Let’s do away with negative PCR requirements for travelers who are fully vaccinated to make sure that those who want to travel to SA can buy their ticket and enjoy the destination. Other countries have already started doing this. For example Botswana, Kenya, England, Scotland and many other places. If we don’t do so, we are going to be left behind. We are not going to be competitive. Travelers chose destinations that are easy to travel to and besides, it is costly to get the PCR test,” says Tshivhengwa.

Video: SA hopes to relax 24-hour COVID-19 PCR test for tourists

New agreement to see ‘substantial reduction’ in COVID-19 PCR test prices

The Competition Commission reached a ground-breaking agreement with two major laboratories, Ampath and Lancet, on the substantial reduction of COVID-19 PCR test prices in December.

The Commission said it had received a formal complaint from the Council for Medical Schemes against private pathology laboratories alleging that the cost of supplying PCR tests for COVID-19 was unfairly inflated, exorbitant and unjustifiable.

The Commission also says between September and October, it was alerted through a number of discussions, including with the Department of Health and healthcare funders, to a possible pricing abuse for COVID-19 PCR tests to the detriment of vulnerable consumers and customers.

It is alleged that private pathology laboratories have experienced substantial cost reductions in conducting COVID-19 PCR tests and were processing significant volumes.

However, the price charged by the private pathology laboratories for COVID-19 PCR tests remained persistently high and unchanged at R850.

Video: Price of COVID-19 PCR tests reduced to R500.00