AS South Africa enters level 2 lockdown, the eThekwini Municipality has declared beaches, nature reserves and public parks open with immediate effect.
However, swimming in the ocean remains prohibited, said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.
“These regulations allow residents to utilise these recreational amenities for activities such jogging on the sand, walking, running, yoga and other healthy lifestyle exercises while, the municipality is taking the necessary steps to ensure regulations for swimming are in place,” he added.
Protocols are still being finalised for the re-opening of the beaches and confirmation is being sought for bathing and surfing from the Provincial Authorities to the public, explained Mayisela.
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“The Parks, Leisure and Cemeteries Department is ensuring that the lifeguards and beach maintenance staff are trained and equipped with the regulated necessary personal protective equipment to undertake safe rescues. It should be noted too that, the shark nets are still not in place and will not be able to be launched for the next few days due to the severe weather conditions which are about to hit the coast,” he said.
The number of people on the beach will be monitored and restricted to ensure social distancing is adhered to.
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“The public is hereby requested to please note that, the country is still on lockdown and as a result, group activities and events that attract a large number of spectators are not permitted,” concluded Mayisela.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
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At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations.
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