CONFERENCE START DATE 

24 April 2022 

CONFERENCE END DATE 

27 April 2022

General Information

Conference Venue Address 

Address: Marais Rd, Mostertsdrift, Stellenbosch, 7600

Phone: 021 808 2650

www.stias.ac.za

Covid - 19 Vaccination Requirements - In Person

Vaccination, particularly for Covid, has become a polemical matter. Nevertheless, as scientists we should be able to evaluate the situation objectively and dispassionately. There is overwhelming evidence that the vaccines are both effective and safe (anecdotes and misrepresentation of the adverse event data notwithstanding). The overwhelming evidence also shows that transmission is lower in highly vaccinated populations. Additionally, the current evidence supports that transmission is via aerosol and that transmission is much higher in close proximity in enclosed spaces where the virus lingers. The in-person conference, therefore, presents a risk for transmission. Evaluation of all the available evidence, and the recommendations of numerous health bodies, SAHPRA, FDA, CDC, European Medicines Agency and the WHO, leads us to the conclusion that we should require that all persons attending the Bio2022 in person should be fully vaccinated, or have a medical exemption (high risk of adverse event as evaluated by a physician). 

Registration & Information Desk

This service will be situated in the foyer outside the main auditorium in the conference centre.

Visa Application

Important information regarding visa requirements can be found on the website of the Department of Home Affairs, while SouthAfrica.info will also assist you with user-friendly information:

Should you require a letter of invitation please contact our registration office on:

+27 21 650 1548

Yellow Fever Certificate

A yellow fever certificate is only required if you are travelling from or have recently visited a country which has a high risk of yellow fever.  Please check with your travel agent.

Climate

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Cape Town in April is 11.8°C (53.24°F). The amount of rain in April is normal with an average of 41mm (1.6in). It rains on average a total of 8 days. You can expect very pleasant temperatures during the day. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around 23.0°C (73.4°F). If you enjoy looking at a blue sky and love the sun than this is a great time to go to Cape Town with 234 hours of sun. April is known as one of the best months to visit Cape Town.

Currency and exchange

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Foreign exchange can be done at the airport as well as at all major hotels. Notes come in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200; and coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5. There are two R5 coins in circulation, both of which are legal currency. All transactions are rounded down to the nearest 5c. Rand (ZAR). 100 cents equals one rand. A passport will be required for ALL transactions.

A passport will be required for ALL transactions. Foreigners can claim sales tax refunds and should ask salesmen to fill out a tax refund form when purchasing any goods.

Credit cards, shopping

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. All major credit cards are accepted throughout South Africa. Various automatic teller machines are located within walking distance of the official hotels and the CTICC.

Electricity/Voltage

The voltage throughout South Africa is 220V/50hz. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, in both cases with round pins. If you’re bringing anything electrical, bring an adapter. Most hotels have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and appliances. Adaptors can be bought at the airport on your arrival, and may be available at your hotel.

Accounts Queries

Contact the Registration Desk

Refunds

Unfortunately no refunds will be allowed. 

Security

We urge delegates to take care of their personal possessions at all times and exhibitors to be particularly aware during the period of exhibition build-up and breakdown. Lock – up storage is available.

Name Badge

Must please be worn at all times for security reasons.

Courtesy Request

Food and Drink: Only water may be consumed inside the auditorium. Please respect this request. Smoking: Strict legislation governs smoking in public places in South Africa. Smoking is absolutely forbidden inside the Conference Centre.

Mobile phones: Please ensure that mobile phones are on silent mode during the conference sessions. Time-keeping: As time will be very tight, delegates are requested to respect the starting times for all sessions.

Emergency Medical Services

Dial 10111 from any mainline telephone for an emergency response.

Insurance

All guests are responsible for own insurance.

Disclaimer

The organising committee, the congress organiser, accept no liability for any damages, injury and/loss of whatever nature by participants and/or accompanying person.

Useful Links