On Day 8 of the national 21-day locdown, the quiet streets in the suburbs would make you think Ermelo is a ghost town, but at shopping centres in the CBD, it’s a whole different story.

Long queues are seen at almost every essential shop and while some shopowners have made it a priority to inform residents to keep 1.5m apart, at other places it seems as though residents have no regard for these regulations.

Ermelo Police, Msukaligwa Traffic Department and the members of the SANDF were visible throughout town and had their hands full to try and ensure that residents complied with social distancing.

Many people were also seen on the sidewalks with shopping bags full of essential supplies.

Petrol attendants at most fuel stations were seen wearing masks and kindly assisted motorists.

Social media has been abuzz with Ermelo residents complaining about the vast number of people who disregard social distancing on such a large scale.

Another resident said that the SASSA grant payouts were dismally unorganized.

The person encouraged residents to stay at their homes and only go to town if and when necessary.