CORONAVIRUS FAQ's
Our President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the nation regarding the Coronavirus Global Pandemic on Sunday the 15th March 2020.
In his address, Mr Ramaphosa declared South Africa a National State of Disaster, as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases reached 61 cases.
Further, he announced several response measures to limit the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, which includes a “travel ban on foreign nationals from high risk countries such as Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Germany, the United State, the United Kingdom, and China as from 18 March 2020.”
AM Lodge, in support of the President’s announcement, understands the implication this pandemic has on travel and tourism, and is sympathetic to those having already booked their dream holiday in South Africa.
We would like to take this opportunity to allow all guests who have made bookings at AM Lodge to reschedule their visit dates with us. All new dates will be amended at no additional cost and without any penalties, provided they are booked for their stay by the 16th March 2021
What is the current status of the Coronavirus in South Africa?
Is it safe to travel to South Africa given the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Can I cancel the booking without paying a booking fee?
Can I move the dates I booked to future dates?
Can I postpone my booking due to testing positive for COVID-19?
What happens to my money if I cancel a booking?
What are the precautions or preventative measures in place at the Lodge
What is the current status of the Coronavirus in South Africa?
As of today, the 16th March 2020, several restrictions have been imposed by the President of South Africa, to curb the spread of the virus. In summary these restrictions are;
- A travel ban on foreigners from high risk countries as of 18 march 2020. All visas are cancelled.
- Schools will be closed from 18th March 2020 until the 10th April 2020.
- 35 land ports have been closed
- Non-essential domestic travel is discouraged
- Gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited
- Mass celebrations have been cancelled
- Visits to correctional services are suspended for 30 days
Is it safe to travel to South Africa given the Coronavirus Pandemic?
The South African Government and its citizens are embarking on drastic measures to curb the spread of the virus by implementing the above-mentioned restrictions. All South Africans are committed to uphold and support the current restrictions, as well as adhering to a call for good hygiene and effective preventative behaviour.
Can I cancel the booking without paying a booking fee?
Should guests wish to cancel, deposits will be fully refundable before 60 days prior to travel, within the 30 days period, 100% cancellation fees will apply.
Can I move the dates I booked to future dates?
- All bookings wishing to change their travel dates can do so without penalty 30 days prior to travel.
- Travel can be deferred until 16 March 2021.
- If deferred travel dates are before 15 December 2021, current 2020 rates will be charged.
- Travel dates deferred from 01 April 2021 – 31 December 2021 will be charged 2021 rates.
- All bookings wishing to change their travel dates within 60 days prior to date of arrival may still do so, however the applicable cancellation penalties will be payable before any bookings are deferred. These funds will be held as a credit for the new travel dates.
Can I postpone my booking due to testing positive for COVID-19?
AM Luxury Guests with Confirmed Accommodation are allowed to Postpone their stay for 12 months, should they receive a positive COVID test result prior to their stay with us. Please provide proof of COVID results to central reservations.
What happens to my money if I cancel a booking?
Should guests wish to cancel, deposits will be fully refundable before 60 days prior to travel, within the 30 days period, 100% cancellation fees will apply.
We encourage our guests to retain their booking and defer it for another date.
What are the precautions or preventative measures in place at the Lodge
- There will be sanitization at all points of contact, i.e. reception, entrances and rooms for employees and guests.
- Our Employees will be constantly updated with precautionary measures.
- We will have our designated Health & Safety officer available for any questions from employees, guests and stakeholders.
AM SPA | COVID-19 Statement
Cleanliness in the wellbeing industry has always been our priority.
Operating protocols in many industries have changed since the COVID 19 pandemic in early 2020. Safety and sanitation in business is essential for good health; from preventing infection and improving employees and our guest’s overall well-being.
New operating procedures will be implemented to satisfy the concerns guests may have travelling to our location. Our commitment to our staff and the surrounding communities is to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at all cost by implementing stringent measures.
The operating procedures listed below have been developed to mitigate any possibility of the COVID 19 virus spreading at any of our spas.
This document has been prepared to offer clear guidance and assist with the planning required for readying our location back to full operations. Each spa is unique in its nature, so we have developed procedures for each specific site. It is however central to our opening plan that the procedures are followed as closely as possible. Implementation of the procedures and the effectiveness of the control measures undertaken will be evaluated frequently to verify compliance, identify, and correct ineffective controls, and adapt the procedures to practical experience.
Please bear in mind that all guests arriving at the spa, will be treated with kindness and respect, while abiding by these regulations and guidelines, by cooperating fully with our onsite team, for their protection as well as others.
Manage communications from the reception
Appointment spacing
Manage communications from the reception
- From the moment a client makes a booking over the phone, email or through WhatsApp, questions relating to the guest health must be asked. To avoid turning them back after arriving at the Spa.
- Ensure any notes relevant to the booking are added to the reservation, for example; if a guest has mentioned they feel hesitant about returning to the spa, this should be noted so reception and therapists can greet the guest with extra care.
Appointment spacing
- Ensure sufficient time between bookings, allowing for therapist and treatment room hygiene protocols (30min in-between is the best time for a therapist to be ready for the next guest)
- Ensure treatment variety is even between therapists
- Ensure bookings are evenly booked between therapists
