Keep wearing masks in public transport, metro asks
As Tshwane Covid-19 cases drops significantly, the metro wants residents to keep wearing masks when using public transport but also calls for alcohol sales to be allowed again.
Despite a drop in Covid-19 cases in Tshwane, local authorities asked residents to keep on wearing masks when using public transport.
“Our fight against the virus will only be won by also making sure commuters use sanitiser before boarding as well as regularly disinfecting vehicles,” said roads and transport MMC Dikeledi Selowa.
“The metro is working hard to curb the transmission of Covid-19. It has deployed extensive interventions to minimise and eliminate the transmission of the virus at public transport facilities such as taxi ranks, holding facilities, bus terminals, stations and depots.
“As these areas have a high number of residents moving through them, they are crucial locations requiring constant vigilance to ensure we protect our residents and minimise their risk of exposure to the virus.”
Selowa’s call came after Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said Covid-19 cases in Tshwane have “declined significantly”.
“Last week I said that Tshwane was beginning to witness a sustained decline in the number of Covid-19 cases.
“A week later, we have experienced a drastic decline in the number of cases.”
Last week Tuesday, he said there were 13 399 active Covid-19 cases.
This week the number stood at 5 922 cases in the metro, a drop of 7 477 cases.
“The day-to-day increase in cases have maintained a downward trend while we have witnessed significant progress in the recovery rate.”
Williams said the metro would continue to monitor the situation though.
“We must now reopen our economy,” he said.
“It is almost a month since national government instituted adjusted level 3 lockdown restrictions.
“I now call on them to urgently begin reviewing these restrictions to ensure that we do not further harm crucial economic sectors in our country.”
He suggested that alcohol sales be allowed again but be limited from Monday to Thursdays, while also allowing licensed establishments and restaurants be permitted to sell alcohol.
The curfew should also be eased.
He believed farmers, logistic companies, bottle manufacturers, breweries, the alcohol retail sector, the restaurant and hospitality sector all suffered under the latest lockdown regulations.
“We must find the balance between the protection of lives and livelihoods.”
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