22 April-7 May 2021.
Total cases 7 May: 1592326
Total deaths 7 May: 54687
Government initiatives
7.3.2021.The transport minister briefed members of the parliament on mitigating the impact of covid 19 on the transport sector and argued that transport operators will continue to feel the impact of the pandemic in the near and medium term future. He said that the pandemic came at a time when the transport industry was already on a downward slide. It is assumed it will take up to 2 years because operations will return to normal.
3.5. 2021. Western Cape transport department condemn the killing of a taxi driver. There have been 25 murders since Jan 2021, and 11 attempted murders.
Other
5.5.2021. A train between Fish Hoek and Salt River was suspended due to equipment failure, and commuters are recommended to use other forms of alternative transport.
1.5.2021. Many of the stations on Cape Towns central line are vandalised, the windows in ticket offices are broken and concrete slabs have been removed. Although the line to Langa opened earlier this year, some people are refusing to move their shacks near or on the railway line. The Cape flats chairperson says that they are deeply concerned about how this affects those who rely on the trainline.
26.4.2021. The CATA (Cape Amalgamated taxi association president) Victor Wiwi has been shot and killed on the way home from Laingsburg when he was trying to resolve a transport issue.
26.4.2021. Taxi operators are accusing a large taxi association of extortion. Operators with valid permits claim that they are subject to shakedowns by marshals from the Congress of Democratic Taxi associations who illegally seize their vehicles.
Links
https://ewn.co.za/2021/05/07/mbalula-covid-19-affected-already-battling-transport-logistics-sectors
https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/26/taxing-the-taxis-cape-town-operators-accuse-codeta-of-extortion
Nigeria
22 April-7 May 2021.
Current cases total (7 May 2021) 165340
Current deaths total (7 May 2021) 2065
6.5.2021. The federal government says that private investors are planning to raise N102.75 million for the take-off of a national carrier in the country.
2.5.2021. The federal government bans travellers who have visited India, Brazil and Turkey in the last 14 days from entering Nigeria. This rule does not apply to passengers who have transited through these countries. The federal government threatens to impose a fine on airlines 3500 dollars for non-compliance, and passengers who are non-Nigerians will be denied entry. PCR tests need to be conducted within 72 hours and not 96 hours which was the case previously. Nigerians and those with a residency permit will have to isolate in a government approved facility for seven days. If they are tested positive passengers will be admitted in a government approved testing centre.
26.4.2021.The presidency says that 319,755 Nigerians have been supported through the Economic Sustainability Plan’s Survival Fund payroll support. The one time Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) grant of N50.000 will begin within the week which is expected to increase the number of beneficiaries under the Payroll Support Track.
23.4.2021. Airports have launched a shuttle service between Abuja and Kaduna in part to prevent banditry, and alleged attempts to attack the train appear to be growing. However, the cost is more expensive than the train and unlikely to be accessible to most people. The air shuttle cost 250 to 320 dollars while rail costs between 7 and 16 dollars.
Other
5.5.2021.The cost of airfares in Nigeria have gone up due to compulsory coronavirus testing. On average a ticket cost 200 dollars prior to the pandemic (2019). However, now the cost can be around 380 dollars.
Links
https://guardian.ng/news/319755-nigerians-benefitted-from-payroll-support-programme-presidency/
https://www.cfr.org/blog/nigeria-beefs-airport-security
https://guardian.ng/business-services/airlines-kick-as-coronavirus-tests-raise-airfares-by-45/
Tunis
22 April-7 May 2021.
Total cases 7 May 2021: 318.236
Total deaths 7 May 2021: 11277
7.5. The government announces total confinement from Sunday the 9th May until Sunday the 16th May. There is a curfew from 7 pm to 5 am and it is prohibited to travel between cities, although there are some exceptions. All gatherings and sporting events are banned during this period. Essential services are excluded from this ban. More than 500 people are in intensive care and Tunisia is struggling with oxygen supplies.
5.5.2021. There was a two-hour strike starting at 11 am on the 5th May. All bus and rail networks were suspended. This was due to attacks on drivers.
4.5.2021. The scientific commission recommended general confinement during the two days of Eid. The commission is also suggesting a ban of travelling between governates.
3.5.2021. Vaccinated travellers will no longer have to quarantine in government approved hotels but need to show proof that they are vaccinated. They will need to comply with self-isolation at their place of residence. Since the 3 May the quarantine period has been extended from 5 to 7 days. Travellers must do a RT-PCR test between day 5 and 8 of self-isolation. Travellers coming for medical care in Tunisia need rapid screen at the airport on their arrival. Those who are travelling on organised trips need to show proof of a negative PCR test conducted within 72 at the time of boarding. Children under 12 years old are exempt from this measure. They have to commit to stay in groups, and respect Tunisian health protocol regarding accommodation and travel. From the 3 May there is curfew from 10 pm to 5 am, except in exceptional circumstances. Governors are able to isolate areas of high risk. If masks are not worn in closed public spaces and on transport, a person can be given a fine of 60 dinars. Private and public parties, weekly markets, forums and congresses are not allowed. Outdoor areas of cafes can remain open, but not indoor areas. It is expected that countries will be classified as red, orange and green for international travel with different rules and regulations.
Links
https://directinfo.webmanagercenter.com/2021/05/05/tunisie-sit-in-de-deux-heures-des-bus-et-trains/
https://www.webdo.tn/2021/04/08/tunisie-la-greve-generale-des-transports-reportee/#.YG7iR-j0nb0
https://www.webdo.tn/2021/04/08/tunisie-la-greve-generale-des-transports-reportee/#.YJPPJ7VKjb0
Women, transport and employment in Africa 