The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill to go ahead with its Covid-19 safety programme

With the new Omnicron variant driving a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections, concerns have been raised about health and safety and public events. Fortunately, event organisers of the 2021 Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill have implemented a stringent Covid-19 safety programme to protect contestants and visitors. This will allow the KwaDukuza event to go ahead as scheduled from 9 to 19 December.

“In planning for The Ballito Pro, our Covid-19 safety programme has taken into account the potential of a fourth wave, as well as the restrictions for higher lockdown levels,” explained event organiser, Collette Bundy. “The safety of festival-goers and competitors is a priority and everything is being done to minimise the risk of transmission at the event. We will constantly monitor the situation and adhere to changing regulations as they arise.”

All athletes, staff and officials at The Ballito Pro are required to provide Covid-19 documents on arrival at the event.

• Vaccinated individuals must show proof of full vaccination.
• Unvaccinated individuals must show proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours or a negative antigen test within 48 hours.

Forming part of the safety programme is The Ballito Pro Covid-19 Safety Campaign and Vaccination Site. This is being run in partnership with IPSS Medical, We Thrive as well as the Department of Health. Organisers will have a designated Covid-19 Testing Site at the event entrance where they will conduct Covid-19 PCR and antigen tests. This ensures compliance with the Surfing South Africa and Department of Sport and Recreation’s regulations for hosting the event.

The awareness and safety campaign includes a Vaccination and Testing Site at Willard Beach from 9 to 19 December for event goers. People can book via the Thrive website (www.wethrive.co.za) for vaccination instore at Thrive Ballito from 1pm to 5pm. Alternatively, the Thrive and Dept of Health nurses will vaccinate at the Ballito Pro Vaccination stand.

In addition to this, the Covid-19 safety programme ensures strict regulations are adhered to. This includes mandatory mask wearing for on the contest site and in public; regular sanitising with stations set up throughout the event; physical distancing and the prohibition of sharing of wetsuits, wax or other items – among others.