Alberton CPF urges residents to adhere to regulations

The RECORD spoke to Pieter Schreiber, chairperson of the Alberton CPF, about how lockdown has been affecting them and what their views are regarding the lockdown.

“CPF patrollers’ experiences of lockdown have varied. Firstly, only a limited number of permits were issued by the MEC to allow patrollers to be out on patrol“On our daily patrols, we noticed the majority of the residents adhering to and respecting the regulations, but others ignored them,” Schreiber said.

According to him, they encountered issues regarding social distancing and the number of people allowed into shops as some people did not adhere to the restrictions on the first day of lockdown. During the level five restrictions, the CPF struggled with vagrants digging through dustbins, people wandering the streets and not staying at home and people leaving their homes for non-essential goods.

“The homeless were repeatedly reminded of several busses coming to take them to a place of safety. Some did take the opportunity, but a few left the shelter.“We found them back on the streets, but the majority refused the opportunity and stayed on the streets.”

Now that the lockdown regulations have eased to level four, the CPF would like to remind Albertonians of what is and what is not allowed as per government regulations.

Regulations regarding movement

• Everyone is still expected to stay at home.
• You may only go out for medical reasons, groceries and to work.
• You must wear a mask at all times when going out in public.
• Washing of hands and social distancing must be adhered to.
• Curfew: 8pm to 5am (except for essential workers).

Regulations regarding exercising

• You are allowed to run, walk and cycle with a mask on from 6am to 9am withing 5km from your home.
• No exercising in groups.

Permitted sectors 

• All essential services and a limited number of sectors with a low rate of transmission and a high social or economic value.
• Employers must have a plan for a gradual return of their workers and strict health protocols must be adhered to.

Travelling

• Children will be allowed to move between parents.
• Inter-provincial travel is still not allowed except for transporting goods and for funerals (funeral restrictions still apply).
• No international travel – unless repatriation of South African citizen or foreign national (quarantine protocols must still be followed).
• Limited public transport.
Other restrictions 

• Alcohol and cigarettes sales are still banned.
• All public gatherings prohibited.

Retail permitted 

• What you can buy: all essential goods, educational books, stationery and office supplies, IT equipment, children’s clothes, winter goods and materials for making masks.
• Restaurants are allowed to open, but only for deliveries.
“We would like to thank the residents of Alberton who have followed the regulations. The only way through this difficult time is if we all do our part.
“I leave you with the following from JRR Tolkien: ‘It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit’,” he concluded.
For more information contact Alberton CPF on 076 105 0859 or send an email to info@albertoncpf.co.za