Was just sent email from PH that travel to SA from USA is now open. Need letter of negative CoV test going and coming back. Commercial labs are testing in camps. Family member went two weeks ago with no problems.

Sir, South Africa has been open to the USA since November 2020. Results of a Negative Covid test within 72 hours from departure out of the USA. Then, you need results of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of your departure out of South Africa.
Most town close to camp will have a testing station, so at worst,, you will be giving up a morning hunt 2-3 days out from your departure day.

South Africa has been open to everyone.

I know several people from here who ha e hunted there during these times.

And everyone had a great time too.

There was some confusion about this when Sleepy Joe Biden banned travel by South Africans, and any other non-Americans who have been in South Africa in the past 14 days, to the USA. He did not ban travel by Americans to and from South Africa. Doesn't make much sense to me, but there you have it.

Are there any plans to allow covid vaccination in place of testing?

quote:

Originally posted by CharlesL:
Are there any plans to allow covid vaccination in place of testing?

Unlikely.

If you have read the different reports to the effective rate of the various vaccines you will find different effective rates for each of them. From 68% to 94% effective rate, this could vary depending on which source you obtain your information from.

What they all indicated, being vaccinated does not stop you from becoming infected. While the symptoms may be reduced for the majority, you will have a some who will have a full blown case of covid.

So the bottom line is, while having the vaccinations is a positive for you, you can still catch the virus and be a spreader.

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338:
Unlikely.

If you have read the different reports to the effective rate of the various vaccines you will find different effective rates for each of them. From 68% to 94% effective rate, this could vary depending on which source you obtain your information from.

What they all indicated, being vaccinated does not stop you from becoming infected. While the symptoms may be reduced for the majority, you will have a some who will have a full blown case of covid.

So the bottom line is, while having the vaccinations is a positive for you, you can still catch the virus and be a spreader.

Still a lot more effective than masks. The rapid tests are notorious for false negatives and PCR tests can take 72 hours or more for results.

quote:

The rapid tests are notorious for false negatives

One of our daughters and her family flew to Hawaii not long ago to meet up with her other sister and her family. She tested positive upon arrival, even though she had tested negative just before the flight. A subsequent follow up showed that it was a false positive. She could have had the entire vacation ruined over it. Luckily it turned out showing that she was not positive for COVID.

quote:

Originally posted by CharlesL:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana338:
Unlikely.

If you have read the different reports to the effective rate of the various vaccines you will find different effective rates for each of them. From 68% to 94% effective rate, this could vary depending on which source you obtain your information from.

What they all indicated, being vaccinated does not stop you from becoming infected. While the symptoms may be reduced for the majority, you will have a some who will have a full blown case of covid.

So the bottom line is, while having the vaccinations is a positive for you, you can still catch the virus and be a spreader.

Still a lot more effective than masks.

Yes but the masks are much better for virtue signalling......and idiots...

Our first foreign hunter in over a year arrives tomorrow from the US. PCR Covid test there within 72 hrs of departure, got results the following day and is on the flight. Same procedure on return, results turnaround at Ampath lab is same day, must be 72 hrs prior to departure to US. It’s a few extra hoops to jump through but the testing seems simple and streamlined enough and I suspect vaccinated persons won’t be required to get a PCR test, possibly just an antigen test upon boarding. Choosing an airline can be tricky, avoid any European ones and others that are likely to suspend flights. Qatar is currently best option as it acts as a bit of a hub and not tied down to travel between 2 very specific countries to keep operating. As much as this sux, it may be the “new normal” for awhile and it sure beats not hunting at all.