Covid-19: Lockdown procedures explained
Learn more about the rules for the next 21 days.
The clock is ticking towards the 21-day government-decreed lockdown which takes effect from midnight tonight (Thursday, March 26).
While some have flocked to the shops to stock up on the basics, others have already bunkered down at home.
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The Herald has fielded a number of queries as to what exactly the lockdown, which aims to curb the spread of Covid-19, will entail and just how restricted their movements will be.
Here’s a brief rundown:
The president has ordered everyone to stay home from Friday, March 27 until Thursday, April 16. This means no social gatherings, no meetings and no roaming the streets.
And no, you won’t starve. Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel has assured citizens that they will be able to buy food and other essentials.
The following will remain open for the duration of the lockdown:
* Pharmacies;
* Laboratories;
* Banks;
* Essential finance systems, such as the JSE
* Supermarkets;
* Petrol stations;
* Healthcare providers;
* Companies involved in making or distributing food, basic goods, and medical supplies;
* Spaza shops.
According to the minister, you will also be allowed to take your pets to the vet should it become necessary and you will also be able to access banks and ATMs for cash.
The following will be closed for the duration of the lockdown:
* All restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops;
* Food delivery services;
* Beach facilities, municipal buildings, and public facilities.
The minister urged everyone to abide by the rules and to keep trips to shops for food to the minimum.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality plan:
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality manager, Max Mbili said only law enforcement, fire and rescue, electricity, and street cleaning departments would operate during the lockdown.
He urged people not to panic and to abide by the lockdown rules.
Refuse will be collected as per usual schedule, and street cleaning will be done twice a week.
The municipality’s emergency number 039 682 5555 will remain operational.
Ugu District Municipality Plan:
Ugu spokesman, France Zama said the municipality has put measures in place to ensure that provision of water and sanitation services were not compromised during the lockdown.
“Provision has been made for workers who fall under essential services to remain at work to ensure continuity of municipal operations. All non-essential service workers have been granted the latitude to conduct their work remotely from their homes.”
All Ugu municipal offices will be closed from Friday, March 27.
“Our call centre will remain open for all water and sanitation related matters on 039 688 5830/36, toll-free on 0800 092 837 or alternatively via SMS to 44751.”
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