ELM which includes Vereeniging, Sebokeng, Vanderbiljpark and Sharpeville was declared an epicentre by the Gauteng Covid-19 command council after a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the last few weeks.
“In recent weeks, mourners and bereaved families have been arriving at cemeteries in large crowds, more than the permitted numbers. This poses a health risk for funeral attendees and municipal officials on-site enforcing compliance with Covid-19 regulations.”
“The President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa recently moved the country to Covid-19 Alert Level 3. This follows a rapid increase in the number of positive cases identified in the country.”
ELM urges residents to adhere to the following protocols as set by the President:
- Attendance at funerals and cremations may not exceed 50 people and all social distancing and health protocols must be observed.
- Night vigils, after-funeral gatherings and ‘after-tears’ gatherings are not allowed.
- All gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. It remains mandatory for every person to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth at all times when in public spaces. It is a criminal offence not to do so.
- The sale of alcohol from retail outlets for off-site consumption will only be permitted between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Thursday. This excludes public holidays.
- Alcohol sales for on-site consumption will be permitted as per licence conditions up to 9pm.
- Alcohol consumption in all public spaces, such as beaches and parks, is strictly forbidden.
