Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert 9 | Western Cape Government

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Disaster Centre Covid-19 Alert 9

15 December 2020

The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre and its partners across the province will be strictly enforcing disaster regulations over the festive season in ongoing efforts to combat the Covid-19 pandemic which is gaining momentum.

Members of the public are reminded that if found in contravention of disaster regulations, the South African Police Services may make arrests which could lead to criminal prosecution and a criminal record.

Bredell says the province is fighting a wildfire, and needs the help of every person to save lives:

“We have seen a general disobedience for important health and safety protocols and regulations. We also find that the groups of people being infected more than any others are younger people in large crowds. We are in a really difficult situation with resources stretched and staff across the board under increased pressure as numbers continue to climb. We need everyone to play their part by keeping themselves and their loved ones safe this festive season.”

Bredell says the public holidays are considered to be days of highest risk beginning with tomorrow, 16 December.

“We are planning very carefully and very specifically for each day over the festive season and will be monitoring and doing surprise raids to key areas across the province.”

Some of the actions that has been undertaken includes:

  • In Central Karoo, 109 volunteers have been appointed to assist with Covid-19 enforcement and awareness.
  • Roadblocks continue to be put in place in key entry and exit points to the province in multiple regions of the province.
  • Inspections in food outlets and tourist venues, nightclubs and other gathering spots continue.
  • The City of Cape Town has extensive operations for its beaches, in line with its festive season preparation plan.

Bredell says the province is calling on the public to play their part.

“The way to beat this virus is if the rest of society works together and is responsible. We need to especially avoid large crowds tomorrow. Consider going to places where you know there will be fewer people, or at a different date or time. These are the smarter choices that we all need to make.”

Members of the public, businesses and other organisations who wish to report violations of COVID-19 protocols can do so as follows:

> Using the online complaint form available here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form

> Dial *134*234# to report non-compliance of public transport

> For COVID-19 health related queries, the provincial COVID-19 toll-free hotline number is 080 928 4102

> For general queries, the Western Cape Government's contact centre can be reached on 0860 142 142

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za