NORTHERN NEWS
Covid-19 Vaccine - a passport to Tourism sector Recovery By Sarah Letsoalo and Colisile Nkosi
Department of Health Officials and park management during the awareness session
In more ways than one, COVID-19 has placed a lot of pressure on the lives of many people. Regulations also stopped tourism operation at some point which subsequently led to a great loss of income for the organisation. Marakele National Park also felt the pandemic’s impact on tourism operation, hence its continued efforts to have the park compliant with regulations and most importantly, comfortable and safe for all its employees and guests. Park management has taken it upon themselves to organise with the Department of Health to inform their staff about vaccinations and to provide an opportunity for all staff members, including workers in the BSP Projects, Environmetal Monitors programme and permamnent staff, to get vaccinated. Department of Health officials visited the park on 3 September to talk about the vaccine and to
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clarify some of the questions staff had on the virus and vaccine. The session was very informative and motivated employees to get the jab. On 7 September Department of Health officials visited the park once again to vaccinate all the staff members. 85% of staff responded positively and got their first jab with much excitement. Amongst those vaccinated was Ms. Chantal Phandle who voluntarily took the jab to protect her unborn baby and herself from the deadly virus. She was greatly motivated to take the step after attending the workshop held a week earlier on the benefits of vaccinating even during pregnancy. Park management believes that with the number of vacinnated employees the park will generate more revenue, and the working environment will be safer for both employees and guests.
