19/10/2020
One step forward, two steps backward seems to be the norm in this crazy upside down world we all live in. I’m sure you all follow in one form or another the news, and are no doubt probably sick and tired of it – but your trusted news source is almost a necessity these days, in following Government directives and recommendations.
Global tourism has tanked, no surprise there - air travel has so many moveable restrictions, that I’d think most of the world’s travellers would prefer to stay home. People wherever they live will feel safe and secure and more importantly familiar with their own particular surroundings.
So why put yourself at supposed risk outside your comfort zone and travel?
That’s a very good question you’ll agree. The simple answer is that you will have wherever you go in this marvellous world of ours, almost to yourselves – now, how good is that?
Airports and aircraft are in this writers humble opinion, ultra-safe zones if you take the usual precautions – social distancing, masks etc – a recent study found that over the last 8-months only 44 airline passengers out of some 1.3 billion have contacted the dreaded virus onboard.
Yes, there are hoops to jump through, in Kenya’s case a negative Covid test issued within 96-hours prior to arrival, which can be a challenge but eminently doable, plus a Ministry of Health ‘track and trace’ protocol which is all done online. Kenya’s private health providers are as good as any – simply world class.
That leaves one downside to the intrepid traveller, the quarantine requirements when they return home. This is being addressed as we speak. The U.K. has announced tests on arrival at Heathrow (Terminals 2 & 5), which if negative will cut the quarantine period from 14 to 7 days. Others are sure to follow..
There are countries that term Kenya as low risk, with no quarantine requirements on return - Switzerland, South Africa and a good number of other enlightened countries. It's an ever changing scenario so please check with your travel agent or try online.
Which leads me to another tetchy subject, in that most countries have with a broad brushstroke lumped the entire continent of Africa into the high risk category as it relates to Covid-19. Africa from a global perspective has done exceptionally well in handling this pandemic, our numbers are with one exception exceptionally low. Surely each country should be judged on its own merit?
Interestingly Agent Hub has just released its Covid-19 Traveller Poll, which makes interesting reading (see photo). The other image is of Kijani House, Lamu courtesy of Diane McLeish.
