The City of Joburg will intensify education awareness on the coronavirus and restrictions on the sale of liquor and cigarettes at hostels during the national lockdown.
This will include Madala, Helen Joseph and Nobuhle hostels in Alex.
The need emerged when some residents of Denver, George Gogh and Jeppe hostels were found by Mayor Geoff Makhubo and his team to be violating measures put in place to mitigate against the spread of the coronavirus.
The measures also restrict human movement, enforce health and hygiene practices such as regular washing of hands with soap after contact with suspected infected items.
In a statement Makhubo said, “We found violations in all three hostels by residents who converged in groups of more than 100, completely disregarding social distancing restrictions, contravened the prohibition of transportation and sale of liquor, and restrictions that allow spaza shops and supermarkets to only trade in essential goods.”
He said they have sought co-operation of Izinduna at different hostels to help enforce the measures which are being applied in other densely populated areas. Also, Makhubo said in light of the dangers of the pandemic, waste removal, water and sanitation services will not be disrupted.
Other prevention measures instituted by the City were extensive clean-ups and sanitising of major taxi ranks, bus stops in the CBD, and at Helen Joseph and other hostels to protect commuters and residents.
The pilot testing and screening of residents for the virus was also conducted in Alex through mobile units and will continue at identified clinics throughout the city. Some buildings are being inspected for use as quarantine centres in case of an outbreak.
Also, the provincial Department of Social Development is helping to shelter and feed displaced people.
Residents wanting to report emergencies, locate clinics or donate sanitisers, masks and soap should contact the 24-hour Joint Operations Disaster Management Centre on 010 224 0934.
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