The struggle to combat the Covid-19 pandemic in the district continued when the uThukela District Covid-19 Command Centre visited shopping centres in Ekuvukeni and Ezakheni yesterday (April 2) to check if they were complying with lockdown regulations and to raise awareness.
The uThukela District Covid-19 Command Centre is led by Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Deputy Mayor NW Mchunu, Alfred Duma Deputy Mayor T Hadebe, Speaker T Ngubane, Dr T Zulu (District Health), councillors, the SAPS, Public Safety and officials.
A concern was raised about some people bringing their children to do shopping with them at one centre. The mayor advised them that this was against the law, as they were not observing lockdown regulations. Workers were also advised to sanitize all the time. Grant payment queues were monitored and the leadership was pleased with the way they were arranged, in keeping with social distancing requirements.
“We are here to check if the supermarkets are complying with the safety and hygiene standards, as required.” commented Mayor Mazibuko.
The team was also interested in finding out if the stores had inflated their prices. “What must be known is that the only people who are allowed to go out are those seeking medical attention, buying food and collecting grants; others must stay at home,” continued the mayor.
The district mayor also emphasised that law enforcement must be fully implemented. The influx of people and access control at the supermarkets were strictly observed. Masks and sanitizers were made available to staff members, and patrons were sanitized on entry.
At the Ezakheni Plaza, a large number of people were found queuing outside, with strict access control being enforced by security personnel. Social distancing markings were clearly visible and adhered to by the patrons. Inside, child restriction signs were on display. The centre was very strict on the lockdown regulations, only allowing essential services shops to operate, much to the appreciation of the uThukela District Covid-19 Command Centre team.
“We’re trying to deal with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic because, as government officials, our purpose is to contain the spread of the virus. We are also raising awareness about this pandemic so that the public knows and practices what we are preaching,” said Dr Zulu.
Leaflets were distributed to the public.
- The public is advised to call the coronavirus hotline on 0800029999 with any suspected cases of corona, or to report or obtain information relevant to the pandemic.
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