City of Durban implements strict measures to combat Coronavirus

The eThekwini Municipality will be dispensing water tanks, hand sanitizers and ablution facilities to 296 informal settlements to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Additional water points will be installed at all the 2 200 communal ablution facilities. Consumer Education Teams and Project Liaison Officers will embark on awareness campaigns and distribution of poster and pamphlets encouraging preventative measures,” said a statement from the municipality.

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Mxolisi Kaunda, eThekwini Mayor, has announced a number of draconian measures the city will be undertaking in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

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The city will be closing a number of its open public spaces including
* Swimming pools
* Libraries
* Museums

The places that won’t be closed will be restricted to less than 100 people including:
* Cemeteries – Residents are urged to keep funerals to family and close friends of not more than 50 people.
* Durban Art Gallery – Less than 50 visitors at a time, school bookings will only be open after Easter Holidays (14 April)
* Community Halls – All functions must be limited to less than 100 people or be cancelled.
* Parks – Weddings and social gatherings are suspended while access to the park will be monitored.
* Beaches – They are not closed but swimming and beach bathing are prohibited.
*Arts and Living Cultures – All cultural or departmental programmes are cancelled.
* Gospel Iconic Discovery Competition – Postponed, new dates to be announced.

The city will also be dispensing hand sanitizers to commuters at all 25 taxi ranks and installing jojo tanks and standpipes in the same areas.

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Informal traders and bus drivers drivers will be provided with masks and gloves by the city.

“The lives of our residents will always be our priority and under no circumstances shall we take chances,” said Kaunda. “I therefore urge everyone to ensure that these measures are adhered to without fail.”

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