Clarity over lockdown regulations

Uncertainty over various regulations remains, despite residents queuing up to enjoy the spoils of certain freedoms afforded since the implementation of lockdown level 3.

Questions have been raised for travelling between provinces, access to beaches, public parks and sport grounds and various others, not excluding the ban on the sale of tobacco products.

Ward 97 councillor, André Beetge said, “Lockdown regulations are complicated even further by different ministers suddenly allowing certain freedoms, for example a recent turn around which now allows recreational fishing (as opposed to commercial and small scale only), yet access to beaches remain prohibited in terms of regulation 39 (2) (m) of the Gazette on 28 May. Then there is the Gauteng High Court ruling of 2 July wherein Judge Norman Davis elaborated on the irrationality and contradictions to the point of finding them invalid, yet suspending same for a period of 14 days by remarking ‘be mindful of the fact that the Covid-19 danger is still with us’. Fact of the matter remains that regulations remain in effect as published for 14 days from date of the finding, yet with anticipate response from government being inevitable.”

While domestics (gardeners included) are back at work to great relief of those who are themselves fortunate to have jobs to return to, there are still certain prohibitions of access as stipulated in regulation 39. A place or premises normally open to the public where cultural, sporting, entertainment, leisure, organisational are similar activities may take place, is closed to the public and all gatherings at these places or premises are prohibited.

ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti residents warned ahead of lockdown level three

The places or premises referred to include:
*Gyms and fitness centres, sports grounds and fields and swimming pools, except for training of professional athletes and professional non-contact sports matches.
*Fêtes and bazaars, night clubs, casinos, hostel, lodges, bed and breakfasts, timeshare facilities and resorts and guest houses, except to the extent that these facilities are required for accommodation by the remaining tourist confined to such facilities persons for work purposes, persons in quarantine or isolation.
*Private and public game reserves, except to the extent that these facilities are required for the remaining tourists confined to such facilities and activities.
*Private homes for paid leisure accommodation.
*Conference facilities.
*Any on-consumption premises, including bars, taverns, shebeens and similar establishments, except as provided in regulation 44.
*Theatres and cinemas.
*Museums.
*Beaches and public parks.

“Persons rendering security and maintenance services may continue to perform these services at the places or premises closed in terms of this regulation. The cabinet member responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs may, by directions, determine any other place or premises that must be closed, if there is a risk of any members of the public being exposed to Covid-19. As we await governments next move, we caution residents not to interpret regulations or court findings in line with their own understanding, but to rather exercise a bit more patience as we await written clarity as we understand it, the enforcement sector has most definitely not been instructed to relax on ensuring that these regulations remain implemented,” added Beetge.

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