Clarity over lockdown regulations
Masks to be worn at all times, this can be a face mask made of cloth or a homemade item that covers both the mouth and nose.
Several questions around the lockdown regulations within Amanzimtoti have been raise. Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge shed some light on the amendments of Disaster Management Act and how these regulations impact the community.
Usage of swimming pools within the constraints of private property by members of the public.
“The regulations indicate that all public swimming pools, including recreational facilities at such places, are closed to the public. While the regulations are effectively silent on the use of private swimming pools by residents of a property, the situation changes when a swimming pool on private property as part of a business becomes assessable for use by the public, whether free of charge or otherwise. “Once the public has access, whether controlled or not, the pool as being part of the business, becomes a public swimming pool and as such, would have to be closed to the public in non hotspot areas and in hotspot areas that would further extend to include recreational facilities at such swimming pools being closed to the public.”
Usage of swimming pools within the constraints of private property such as complexes.
The regulations indicate that all public swimming pools, including recreational facilities at such places, are closed to the public. Swimming pools within the constraints of complexes are for the use of the residents of the complex and are not open for use by the public. As such, it would not qualify for closure in terms of the regulations, but taking into consideration the objectives of the regulations that seek to discourage physical contact while encouraging social distancing in an effort to reduce contamination, certain measures would be recommended. A formula would likewise have to be applied to determine the number of people in the water while observing the recommended social distancing of at least 1.5 meters between users.
Gatherings – operations of water parks
“All water parks are closed, this will include Splash in Amanzimtoti as well as Ushaka in Durban.”
Opening of promenade
Follow a debate by the eThekwini corona council, a decision was reached to distinguish between beaches, parks and the promenade.
“The Amanzimtoti promenade will be open and accessible starting from the amphitheatre next to the lagoon north past Shad place parking area and along the front of the Amanzimtoti main beach through the southern parking area. It is however to be understood that the use of the promenade excludes the use of picnic tables, benches, grassed areas, panoramic photo frame etc but that it serves largely only as thoroughfare.”
Masks to be worn at all times, this can be a face mask made of cloth or a homemade item that covers both the mouth and nose. Wearing of a mask is mandatory when in public spaces. No person shall be allowed to be in a public open space if he or she is not wearing a mask. Should the public fail to adhere these requirements, the promenade can be shut.
Recreational, subsistence and commercial fishing
The eThekwini corona council, having taken advise from national departments, debated the content of the amended regulations in regard to fishing.
“As such recreational, subsistence and commercial fishing will be allowed but only outside of the curfew hours or 9pm to 6am and subject to such fishermen being in possession of valid permits/ licenses as issued by mandated authorities. This with the understanding that it only extends those who are in possession of a permit and for bona fide fishing purposes and excludes any friends or family members accompanying such fishermen for what ever purpose.”
ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti beaches to close at 6pm every day during lockdown
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