The KwaZulu Natal provincial government says the possible closure of beaches during the festive period has not yet been considered by its COVID-19 Command Council.
Community Safety and Liaison MEC Bheki Ntuli during a debate made comments on beaches being closed.
Durban beaches are usually packed with thousands of people on public holidays during the festive period.
Provincial government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso says they are continuously engaging with municipalities and medical experts to curb a resurgence of the pandemic.
Premier Sihle Zikalala is due to announce the provincial festive season safety and COVID-19 prevention plans on Friday.
Mabaso says, “The primary goal at this stage is to do all we can as the province of KwaZulu Natal to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections while at the same time work hard to revive the economy following the devastation caused by the pandemic.”
“The matters in the public domain are part of the debate and proposals by various stakeholders, and will be discussed once they are formally tabled,” added Mabaso.
“All these large gatherings which involve excessive consumption of alcohol are characterized by risk behavior & pose a real threat to the national effort to fight the spread of the #CoronaVirus.
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) December 8, 2020
2 300 officers to be deployed in Cape Town
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town says around 2 300 Metro, Traffic and Law Enforcement officers will be deployed to various areas during December and January as part of its Festive Season Preparedness Plan. Focus areas include economic hubs, transport interchanges, road safety, and beaches.
The City of Cape says that in addition to around 2 300 officers who will be deployed, 340 beach lifeguards and 300 municipal pool lifeguards will also be stationed at various beaches and pools.
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien, says the increased deployment of lifeguards will cost the City around R40 million. He was speaking online during the city’s Virtual Festive Season briefing.
“Our four key messages this year include not to drink and swim, all children must be accompanied when going to our beaches and our pools and absolutely no alcohol on our beaches. This will be strictly enforced and also be aware of rip currents, listen to lifeguards and swim in between the coastline.”
Coronavirus stats in SA:
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