Swimming at public beaches has been banned across the North Coast, public pools are being closed and social distancing is being encouraged in all public spaces across KwaDukuza.

As Covid-19 continues to spread across the country KwaDukuza municipality have taken proactive steps to reduce the spread of the virus in the region.

Lifeguards will remain on duty and the beaches remain open to the public, it is just swimming that is not allowed.

The municipality announced yesterday that all council meetings and public engagements will be closed indefinitely.

KDM spokesperson Sipho Mkhize said the closure effected the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and budget meetings which were to start next week.

“All our actions are derived from the national government during this crisis and new dates will be communicated in due course,” said Mkhize.

As the Dolphin Coast prepares to adjust to the new normal, steps to limit access to open and public spaces, as well as facilities throughout the region, are in the pipeline for KwaDukuza following closely behind eThekwini municipality’s drastic measures implemented yesterday.

Among other things Durban mayor Mxolisi Kaunda banned bathing at all of the city’s beaches.

Restrictions also applied to libraries and community halls.

At public parks the public are asked to not congregate in large numbers and to maintain social distancing.

During funerals, mourners are restricted to not more than 50 at the cemetery.

Since declaring the coronavirus a national disaster on Sunday  a series of restrictions have been put in place to try to reduce the impact of the virus on the population.

Under the new regulations to contain the virus all bars in South Africa have to be closed by 6pm.

The regulations, effective on Wednesday, detailed when people would be committing an offence or be liable for a penalty under the national state of disaster.

If anyone disregards the government’s instructions to prevent gatherings of more than 100 people or more than 50 people where alcohol is served, they may face a fine, jail time or both.

The government also solidified plans to punish those who refuse medical examinations, isolation and quarantine in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

Government is now looking at setting up possible quarantine facilities to cater to those who may have come into contact with the virus, but cannot be isolated.

This will mean that people might have to be removed from their homes, health minister Zweli Mkhize said.

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