Lockdown – what Amanzimtoti residents need to know

Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge has called for calm today (Thursday), the last day before the lockdown, and in the prevailing days to come.

“We ask people to refrain from circulating false information and news that has not come from nor been confirmed from reliable sources. We have had instances where people have added other letterheads to information that originated in the UK and Kenya and disseminated it on social media.”

On Wednesday Beetge was involved in the provision for homeless people, who will be isolated in centralised areas in and around the city. He has also been trying to answer the flood of queries directed at his office, to the best of his ability in the short time since the announcement of the lockdown on Monday night, 23 March.

Can I walk to the shops?
Yes only during the day, with no pedestrians allowed on the streets between sunset and sunrise.

Can I go jogging or cycling?
No.

Can I visit friends or family?
Best advise is to stay at home and minimise contact as far as possible.

In families where parents are divorced, can I fetch or drop off my children for visitation rights?
The less contact between different households the better.

Can I visit parents or loved ones in old age homes or hospital?
Preferably not, as senior citizens and those already suffering from ailments are more succeptible to contamination than healthy individuals.

Will fast food restaurants be open?
No.

How can I shop?
Individually and taking precaution in terms of sanitation and protection that includes shoes and masks.

Can I walk my pets?
Public open spaces will be closed – minimum contact is recommended as although pets do not carry the virus, it can be transported into your house by them. The virus can live for three hours airborne, 12 hours on something like a piece of paper and three days on a metal or plastic surface.

Will movement be limited in complexes?
Best advise is to stay home and avoid contact with others as far as possible.

READ ALSO: Lockdown – what it means for Amanzimtoti residents

Permits required by those rendering essential or emergency services

While we remain in wait of updated legislation to give effect to the President’s announcements, we would advise those who form part of essential services be in possession of a letter on company letterhead that contain their full names, surname, ID number, address of residence, place of employ, job designation, reason for being in travel as well as the name, contact number and address of the company. No pedestrians are allowed on the streets between sunset and sunrise.

Driving under the influence

Although no breathalyser tests will presently be conducted, law enforcement officers will still apply their discretion and should an individual appear under the influence, the normal procedures regarding the drawing of blood will be enforced

Refuse collection

Refuse collection will continue in terms of the normal collection schedule. Residents are requested to put their refuse out timely and secure it against monkeys and dogs, so as to eliminate recollection or repacking. Delays might occur should personnel become ill.

Beaches

From Friday at 6am, all beaches are completely closed closed for swimming, recreation or any other activity that includes beach cleaning, fishing, surfing, body boarding and so on. Teams consisting of peace and law enforcement officers will be deployed to patrol and anyone found in contravention will be prosecuted in terms of the emergency legislation.

READ ALSO: No coronavirus in Amanzimtoti

Parks, beach parking and recreational facilities

All beach and municipal recreational facilities that include parking areas, public open space etc are closed with immediate effect and compliance will be monitored by accredited teams.

Sports facilities

All activities at Amanzimtoti Sports Centre are prohibited from Friday 6am that includes sport, recreation and retail. Lords and Legends and Crossbar at Amanzimtoti Rugby Club are closed for business as of Wednesday evening – no take away meals or bar facilities until the end of lockdown. A dedicated and accredited team will ensure compliance and contraventions will be dealt with in terms of emergency regulations.

Parks

Not considered an essential service, but a 10-man task team will be placed on standby to attend emergency situations as and if they arise, that will include emergency tree cutting. A grade sporting facilities (Hutchison Park being the only A grade facility in district five) will be watered as and when required.

Vehicle and driver’s licenses

At this time no fines will be issued for vehicle licenses and for driver’s licenses that expire after 29 February 2020.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,

As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.

Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).

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