Nature reserves, including The Wilds, Kloofendal and Klipriviersberg nature reserves and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens will be opened from August 1, to allow for a phased-in approach due to limited resources.
Park users are urged to be cautious and vigilant at all times by adhering to the following 10 mandatory requirements:
1. It is compulsory to wear a mask in public spaces at all times.
2. Practice social distancing of a minimum of three metres.
3. Picnics, events or gatherings are strictly prohibited.
4. Ensure that hands are washed and sanitised prior to entering a city parks facility.
5. Exercise only with persons within your household which is limited to a maximum of five people in a group.
6. Refrain from using the ablution facilities and the playgrounds.
7. Remind children that the use of the gym and play equipment is prohibited.
8. Take all disposables home, including empty bottles and paper cups.
9. Leave all valuables at home to avoid opportunistic crime.
10. Abide by the public open spaces by-laws in place.
Councillor Margaret Arnolds, the member of the mayoral committee for community development in the City of Joburg, welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Arnolds, however, cautioned residents that the onus to prevent the spread of the virus remained in the hands of every user. “Common sense must prevail. If you are feeling unwell, self-isolate or if there are too many users in the park, then protect yourself and your loved ones by staying at home,” she urged.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo staff have been affected by Covid-19 infections which resulted in various depots being temporarily closed to enable operational and security staff to self-isolate, while the necessary decontamination processes of depots were undertaken.
The phasing-in of the opening of conservation areas and nature reserves is due to scarce resources and the need for employees to be issued with proper personal protection.
Park users are urged to carry their own sanitisers and to refrain from sitting on the benches, utilise the gym-equipment and ablution facilities or depositing refuse in park bins.
Arnolds appealed to residents for compliance and support, stating, “The Presidency has heard your call to reopen parks, particularly for residents who do not have access to exercising outdoors. The responsibility therefore to exercise with caution lies in the hands of every individual.”
