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Conference venue the Cape Town International Convention Centre will shut its doors for a minimum of 14 days, after some of its staff were exposed to individuals who had been in contact with others who tested positive for the coronavirus.
According to a statement from the CTICC, it does not have any scheduled events for the next two weeks due to government's restriction on events of more than 100 people. The CTICC said none of its clients would be impacted by the temporary closure, but it would reassess the situation and adjust its operations accordingly.
"The CTICC has been informed through a tracing process that certain staff members have been exposed to individuals who have had close contact with patients that have tested positive for the coronavirus.
"The individuals that the staff members have been in contact with have gone into self-isolation and are following the advice of health authorities," the statement read.
The 14-day closure will also allow the rest of the CTICC's staff to self-isolate and report any possible symptoms to medical practitioners, it said.
"Our priority will always be the safety of our staff, clients and partners," said CEO Taubie Motlhabane.
"Of course, we regret the impact that the temporary closure of the CTICC will have on our suppliers, but we believe it is prudent to be cautious under the current world-reality," she said.
Over the past week several events and concerts have been cancelled following President Cyril Ramaphosa's declaration of a state of national disaster, as coronavirus reached SA shores. Government has instituted a travel ban, and has ordered new closing times for bars, shebeens and restaurants, among other things.
The CTICC said the situation has led it to "investigate new ways of doing business".
"We believe it is important to develop long term resilience strategies so that we are ready to open our doors to the world again and play our part in growing the economy as soon as possible," the statement read.
According to its economic impact released in 2019, the convention centre had created over 130 000 jobs since it inception in 2003, Fin24 previously reported.
It generated revenue of R277 million for the 2018/19 financial year and generated an operating profit of R57.5 million. The convention centre attributed its revenue to the hosting pf 560 events, with over 400 000 delegates. According to the CTICC, the delegates attending the events it hosts, also contribute to the tourism industry of Cape Town.
