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Author: Herman Pieters

02 April 2020 Media Statement: Domestic waste handling guidelines for those in self-isolation due to COVID-19 infection

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

02 April 2020

The Municipal Health and Waste Management Units of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Local Municipalities would like inform the public about important guidelines regarding the proper handling and storage of domestic waste generated by all positively identified COVID-19 residents.

ā€œResidents tested positive for COVID-19 must be inĀ self-isolation, and the guidelines we provide must be followed to protect essential workers and anyone else who comes into contact with domestic waste,ā€ said Johan Compion, GRDM Manager: Municipal Health Services.

These guidelines are aligned to national guidelines and exist to curb the spread of the coronavirus to the waste management services personnel and other residents.

The GRDM Multi Agency Command Centre appeals to the public to be responsible and to adhere to the guidelines before placing waste outside for kerbside removal.

GUIDELINES

  1. That all waste items that have been in contact with individuals that are confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 (e.g. used tissues, disposable cleaning cloths, gloves, masks, etc.) are disposed of securely withinĀ aĀ black refuse plastic bag,Ā separateĀ from the rest of the householdā€™s refuse.
  2. When full, the black refuse plastic bag should then be placed in a second black refuse plastic bag (double bag) and tied to prevent any waste from spilling from the bag.Ā  Additional black refuse plastic bags will be made available to those who tested positive for COVID-19. The distribution of these bags will be done by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners.
  3. Double-bagged refuse bags Ā must be stored separately for five (5) days in direct sun, before being placed outsideĀ yourĀ home for collection by a local municipality. The safest option would be to store bags for an additional week before domestic waste collection is done. This will ensure thatĀ the COVID-19Ā virus is killed.
  4. In the case of wheelie bin removal service, residents are reminded to have all personal hygiene and sanitary products double bagged (placed within two small plastic bags) before placing waste inside a bin. Examples of personal hygiene and sanitary products are tissues, used gloves and masks, etc.)
  5. Residents are requested to please sanitize or wash hands with water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling wheelie bins or black refuse plastic bags. This measure is to protect both the public and the essential refuse removal teams.
  6. Residents are requested to sanitise wheelie bin handles and wheelie bin covers.
  7. Residents are requested to refrain from approaching refuse removal personnel. Please keep a distance of 2m at all times.
  8. The black refuse plastic bags or wheelie bins can be placed out for kerbside removal after the above mentioned steps have been followed.
  9. Please put your bags and wheelie bins out for collection, as close as possible to the time of arrival of the waste collection services.
  10. Please secure the bags in order to ensure that your pets do not have access to the bags to prevent them from tearing the bags or spilling the contents.

Please be aware that this guideline might be updated in the near future and that changes will be communicated.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre

1 April 2020 Media Release: Various donations welcomed during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Release: Various donations welcomed during the COVID-19 pandemic

For Immediate Release
1 April 2020

South Africa is facing an unprecedented challenge with communities and the economy being affected by the growing COVID-19 pandemic. In the Garden Route District Municipalityā€™s (GRDM) jurisdiction, with its seven (7) local municipal areas (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), Garden Routers are coming together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by lending a helping hand to others.

According to the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, Mr Gerhard Otto: ā€œThe donation of non-perishable food, toiletries, bedding for single beds will be of particular benefit to the less fortunate. Hand sanitisers are also on the list of critical shortages identified. In response to this need, the GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre kindly requests the public to make donations of this kind at the specified sites.ā€

ā€œEach municipality in the District have identified a site for storing donations, from where the distribution of items will be done by Western Cape Government Department of Social Development representatives,ā€ said Otto.

Donations by the public must happen without violating the isolation or quarantine measures in place or putting oneself or others at risk. Please note that it is advised that pre-arranged drop-off times be arranged to avoid overcrowding of sites.

Below find a breakdown of where to drop off spots or contacts details per town:

HESSEQUA

Hessequa Fire Station, Mulder Street, Riversdale. Contact 028Ā 713 7917 or 028Ā 713 8000.

MOSSEL BAY

Mossel Bay Fire Station, Corner of Louis Fourie and Schoeman Streets, Mossel Bay. Charles Street, Great Brak River behind Mossel Bay municipal offices. Ā Contact the emergency call centre on 044 606 5000 or 044 691 3722.

GEORGE

Community and Social Development Services, Corner of St Johns and Varing Streets, George. Contact 044 802 2000 or visit https://bit.ly/2wJ1OrO

KNYSNA

Contact Pam Booth on 060 998 6967 to make arrangements for collections.

BITOU

Bitou Fire Station, 1 Flying Cloud Drive, Plettenberg Bay. Contact Andile Sakati on 083 273 7057 / 072 272 4242 or Hadley Venter on 083 443 0120.

GREATER OUDTSHOORN

Oudtshoorn Fire Station (Disaster Relief Hub), 26 Church Street, Oudtshoorn. Contact Ms Sarah Olislager at 044Ā 272 8977/ 083Ā 689 2893 and Mr Wayne Peterson at 044Ā 272 89 77.

KANNALAND

Disaster Management Centre, 23 Church Street, Ladismith (next to Standard Bank). Contact Wayne Robertson on 060 691 3029.

Before any donations are made, please contact the following DSD area representatives:

Mr Dennis Nghonyama [Oudtshoorn/ Kannaland] ā€“ 082 960 5746

Mr Mzukisi Skosana [George] ā€“ 083 628 7074

Mr Kenneth Mazaleni [Knysna/Bitou] –Ā Ā Ā  082Ā  226 9521

Ms Kholiswa JobelaĀ  [Mossel Bay/Hessequa]- 078 210 5972

Donations will be controlled in adherence to lockdown regulations and responsibly distributed.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

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Media Release: How nail hygiene can affect your health

Media Release: How nail hygiene can affect your health

For Immediate Release
1 April 2020

We have all seen it: the constant awareness about washing your hands for at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But did you know that if you have long fingernails, the 20-second rule becomes a little more complicated and should probably be increased to a few minutes? This is because of an area called the subungual region underneath each fingernail of a person. This area carries a lot of harmful microorganisms.

A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvaniaā€™s Department of Dermatology, based in the United States of America, found that this area under fingernails harbours the same type of microorganisms as the rest of a personā€™s hand, but considerably more of them.

Long nails are not ideal during the COVID-19 outbreak

GRDM urges the public to do proper handwashing, while also paying special attention to the subungual area beneath fingernails when washing hands. It is best advised to keep nails trimmed, shortening the subungual area beneath and making it easier to clean.

If you canā€™t put your fingers down against your other palm without your nails creating a space, you are higher at risk of contracting the disease. This is true unless you use a nail brush every time you wash your hands.

Biting of fingernails

The bad habit of biting your nails could spread the coronavirus. Next time you feel like chewing on your nails, rather make a fist with your hand and hold it tight whenever you feel the urge to bite. This should be held for at least 60 seconds. Over time this will trigger your brain into thinking that the behaviour is wrong.

By following these guidelines you can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Image credit: iStock.com/privetik

Media Statement: New standard workplace hygiene checklists for EHPs

MediaĀ  Statement

For Immediate Release

1 April 2020

COVID-19 regulations, promulgated to limit the spread of the Coronavirus disease, must be implemented. The Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) are some of the many essential workers who are risking their own lives to protect community members.

According to the GRDM Manager, Municipal Health Services, Mr Johan Compion: ā€œFrom today, 1 April 2020, EHPs will amplify their inspections at shops, with a few new additions to their checklists. Ā The lists have changed slightly to also focus on a comprehensive list of hygiene standards.ā€

ā€œThe implementation and monitoring of preventative measures are essential for public health,ā€ says Compion.

EHPs will now test the additional new criteria, while continuing to test pre-covid19 criteria:

  1. Distance control between customers.
  2. Hand sanitizing at point of entry/exit.
  3. Good ventilation.
  4. Hand soap.
  5. Use of hand sanitisers.
  6. Hand drying material.
  7. Waste bin (with lid).
  8. Nail brush.
  9. Disposable hand wipes.
  10. Gloves (when needed).
  11. Masks (when needed).
  12. Disinfection routines relating to touch points, keypads, cash registers, utensils and other equipment.
  13. Understanding of Covid-19 symptoms, monitoring and reporting.
  14. Proper sanitation facilities.
  15. Washing hands after handling notes and coins.
  16. Washing hands before handling food.
  17. Cleaning and disinfection of fleet vehicles.

Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference. Acting now will help protect employees and essential businesses.

Editorā€™s note: EHPā€™s perform monitoring and awareness activities at premises in terms of the NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NORMS AND STANDARDS FOR PREMISES AND ACCEPTABLE MONITORING STANDARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS promulgated under the NATIONAL HEALTH ACT, 2003 (ACT NO. 61 OF 2003).

The checklist is accessible to businesses here: Link to website page

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

 

Media Statement: Lockdown applies to common areas including that of complexes and estates too

MediaĀ  Statement

For Immediate Release

31 March 2020

Lockdown applies to common areas including that of complexes and estates too

People living in private residential complexes, estates, apartment block and other such private facilities MAY NOT USE COMMON AREAS DURING LOCKDOWN.

This is in response to queries that have arisen from notifications that may have emanated from estate management companies and homeowners associations regarding the right to move on their own properties, including common areas such as parks, play parks, open grass areas, etc.

Herewith confirmation by Garden Route Disaster Management Head Gerhard Otto today (31 March 2020) that during lockdown:

  1. State of emergency regulation supersedes all other rules, including that on ā€˜private propertyā€™.
  2. No common property in estates may be used during lockdown for public gatherings or recreational activities.
  3. Body corporate/homeowners associations have the authority to self-enforce.
  4. Body corporates/homeowners associations may be criminally culpable for not enforcing lock down.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Media Release: Increased risk of COVID 19 infection in ā€˜hubbly bubblyā€™ smokers versus non-smokers

Media Release: Increased risk of COVID 19 infection in ā€˜hubbly bubblyā€™ smokers versus non-smokers

For Immediate Release
31 March 2020

Smoking the hubbly bubbly (hookah, waterpipe) increases a personā€™s risk of both bacterial and viral infections. This is especially important to note as the COVID-19 disease plagues the world and infection rates in South Africa continue to rise. Smoking cigarettes and the hubbly bubbly is bad for your health and those around you. Second-hand smokers are as much at risk as smokers as it causes numerous health problems in infants and children, including more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

The Garden Route District Municipality Executive Manager for Community Services, Mr Clive Africa, warns the public of risks relating to COVID-19 and smoking the hookah pipe. He urges the public to avoid smoking at all costs and also said that we must not forget about the dangers of passing around or sharing a hubbly bubbly. ā€œAlthough we are all supposed to be in isolation, a hubbly bubbly is often still shared among a group of people. This is dangerous, because it can aid in transmitting diseases like hepatitis, herpes simplex (fever blisters), tuberculosis and also the COVID-19 disease, which is spread by droplets.ā€

Smoking a hubbly bubbly and sharing it with others create the risk of being infected with coronavirus. Various countries have already banned the use of hookahs in public places to prevent the spread of the virus. Garden Route District Municipality urges everyone to avoid smoking cigarettes and the hookah, in line with this international trend.

How does a hubbly bubbly get contaminated with infectious microorganisms?

The risk of transmission of infectious agents through smoking a hubbly bubbly is high because mouth pieces are shared between smokers who pass around microorganisms, including COVID-19. Some smokers cough into the hoses, and the moisture in tobacco also promotes the survival of microorganisms inside the hubbly bubblyā€™s hose. The cold water in the chamber of the hubbly bubbly may facilitate the survival of COVID-19.

More scary facts:

  • The nicotine content in a hubbly bubblyā€™s smoke is equivalent to that of 200-300 cigarettes smoked per day, demonstrating a very high potential for addiction.
  • In general, hubbly bubbly smokers are exposedĀ to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke compared to those smoking a cigarette.
  • There is a myth that hookah smoking is safer than smoking cigarettes because the smoke passes through water to filter out all the ā€œbad stuffā€. However, research has shown that hookah smokers receive more carbon monoxide (CO), nicotine and smoke than cigarette smokers.
  • Due to the frequency of puffing, depth of inhalation, and length of smoking, hookah smokers inhale higher levels of toxins.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Media Statement: Public Transport – Critical days for the Elderly, Disabled and other beneficiaries

MediaĀ  Statement

For Immediate Release

30 March 2020

SASSA will pay social grants to older persons and persons with disabilities from 30 to 31 March, other beneficiaries will be able to access their grants from 1 April to 3 April 2020.

We encourage all persons over 65 years old to stay at home as far as possible, if accessing grants today and tomorrow, going for shopping or any activity in public, please remember to keep to a social distance of 1.5m. Also, stay hygiene-conscious, make sure you keep your hands clean.

The elderly should try not to stay too long in risky areas like shops, banks and pharmacies.

PAPER NOTES

Like any other surface with which a large number of people come in contact with, paper notes can carry bacteria or viruses. COVID-19 can live on paper surfaces for 24 hours. This week is a very critical week as the elderly will get ALL PAY.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), website, “It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has a virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”

GLOVES

If elderly persons have access to gloves they should wear them, sanitise their hands to prevent the spread of the virus.

ATM MACHINES

ATM machines need to be regularly sanitized.

POINT-OF-SALES MACHINES

Point-of-sales machines need to be wiped regularly with a disinfectant.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If taxis are used by the elderly, please see to it that the windows of taxis and buses are opened and well ventilated. Taxi operators must be encouraged to ensure that all passengers’ hands are sprayed with an approved disinfectant.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: GO GEORGE

GO GEORGE will offer its reduced public transport for extended periods between the hours of 05:00 and 20:00, from 30 March until Friday 3 April 2020. This follows the announcement of the Minister of Transport received late this afternoon. We are frantically busy and trying our best to bring in additional drivers from the lockdown and revise our timetables. We are trying to do in a few hours what normally takes a few days.

THIS IS PURELY FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIAL GRANT RECIPIENTS TO TRAVEL TO PAY POINTS. SASSA beneficiaries are required to carry their IDs and SASSA cards when travelling on public transport as prove that they are using the service for this purpose.

ā€¢ Public transport remains a VERY HIGH-RISK ENVIRONMENT for the spreading of the Covid-19 virus, and even more so for the elderly and vulnerable members of the community. Please try to make alternative arrangements if you MUST leave your house.
ā€¢ If you own a car and have a friend, neighbour or family member who needs to go into town to draw their grant money, PLEASE OFFER THEM A RIDE. Letā€™s practise UBUNTU.
ā€¢ If you have absolutely no alternative but using the bus, please consider travelling to town after the morning peak period (after 08:30) to give those that render essential services and have to travel to work, space on the bus ā€“ seats are very limited now.
ā€¢ By lockdown regulation, every bus can only load 50% of its seating capacity, which comes down to 20 passengers on a GO GEORGE bus to ensure adequate social distance between passengers.
ā€¢ Where needed, trips trip will be undertaken with two buses in a row to accommodate as many essential services staff as possible while keeping to the maximum of 20 passengers per bus.
ā€¢ To limit potential exposure of passengers to the Covid-19 virus, GO GEORGE is currently not adding more routes to the reduced service during lockdown.

These arrangements are subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to the public through the GO GEORGE Facebook page and the media.

Thanks for spreading the Covid-19 health safety measures.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Media Release: Contact tracing for coronavirus (COVID-19): what happens during the procedure?

Media Release: Contact tracing for coronavirus (COVID-19): what happens during the procedure?

For Immediate Release
29 March 2020

Contact tracing is a procedure used by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and the Western Cape Department of Health, to trace those who have been in close contact with individuals infected with COVID-19, and to find out exactly where individuals who tested positive contracted the virus. The term ā€œclose contactā€ refers to anyone who has been in direct contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 by either a private or public health facility, and verified by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Dr Terence Marshall, who leads a group of health workers through the Cluster: Health, and reports daily to the GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC), explained a close contact as follows: ā€œImagine a person covered in glitter, his or her entire body. If you moved around such a person, would you have caught any of the glitter they had on them? One example to simplify this further, is of a lecturer working with hundreds of people per dayĀ and who tests positive.Ā Those who sat in the front row of the class are most at risk for infection because little droplets of saliva could have accidentally spread to others near the lecturer.Ā More specifically: spending more than 15 minutes with a positively-tested person who was less than 1 metre away would qualify as a Ā close contact.

A close contact is also one who has shared meals, a bathroom or a kitchen with a positively-tested person.ā€ Dr Marshall also said that ā€œthe time period is for those who were in this contact for up to 7 days before the symptoms startedā€.

Social distancing is very important to consider when assessing who a close contact was. ā€œThrough what has happened abroad, we have learned that the safest distance from someone with COVID-19 is 1 ā€“ 2 metres. At the District advocate a social distance of 1.5m or more, ā€œ said Dr Marshall.

How does tracing work?

The Municipal Health unit of GRDM is staffed with specialists who understand how a disease like COVID-19 spreads.

Step 1: EHPs contact the person who was tested positive, to trace their movements back to the person who they potentially caught the virus from. It is important to do backward tracing, so that the District understands how the virus is spread. As the virus becomes more widespread it may become more difficult for the EHP experts to figure out where each infected person first came in contact with the virus.

Step 2: The second stage of contact tracing involves getting in touch with those who may have been in close contact with an infected person. The COVID-19 disease canĀ incubateĀ inside a person forĀ 5-12.5 daysĀ Ā before any symptomsĀ become apparent. Some do not show any symptoms at all. This is particularly dangerous and why the lockdown is of vital importance. Someone may be infected but be asymptomatic.

Those who have been in close contact with aĀ positively-tested individual, must self-quarantineĀ for 14 days after the last time they were with the individual.

What is the difference between isolation and self-quarantine?

Isolation and quarantine are public health practices used to protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease.

Isolation, as opposed to quarantine, is what someone who is confirmed to be ill with a communicable disease has to do to separate themselves from healthy people around them.

Quarantine separates, and restricts the movements, ofĀ healthyĀ people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if theyĀ begin toĀ show symptoms; if they do, they need to be tested then.

Why are members of the public not told exactly where confirmed cases occurred, or who have been infected?

People who have been exposed are contacted directly. The District cannot reveal the name of a person who tested positive, because it is an infringement on an individualā€™s rights. GRDM does, however,Ā encourage andĀ request those who have tested positive, to tell others.

When am I considered to have Covid-19?

You will be suspected to have the Covid-19 virus if you have flu-like symptoms and in the last 14 days:

  • have travelled internationally to an area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community OR have been in close contact (e.g. face-to-face contact, been in a closed room, transport) with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 OR
  • Have a household member or someone at work who has tested positive for Covid-19 OR
  • Have worked in a facility where a Covid-19 case/s has been diagnosed and was not wearing personal protective equipment OR
  • Have travelled to an area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community.

Tests must then be done to confirm the disease, or not.

What to do if I suspect that I might be infected?

Should you develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a country or area where Covid-19 is spreading from person-to-person in the community OR had close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19, stay calm. Remember that even if you do have Covid-19, most people have a mild illness. Itā€™s important to seek care in a way that prevents you from spreading it to others:

If you have access to private healthcare call your general doctor/ local health facility or NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999, or the Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102. Explain your symptoms and where you have travelled, or with whom you have had contact.

If you use public healthcare, call your local health facility or NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999, or the Provincial Hotline on 021 928 4102. You will receive advice on what to do. If you are unable to make a call, go to your local facility. Before you enter the facility, alert staff that you are concerned that you might have Covid-19. Expect to be asked to put on a face mask. You will be asked to wait separately from other patients until a health worker can help you.

Seek care urgently if you develop difficulty breathing. If possible, call ahead to your local health facility to inform them that you are on your way.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Appeal by the Head of Health, Western Cape Government, for the appropriate use of face masks

Many people feel that they can protect themselves against COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks as a precaution.

The Head of the Western Cape Health Department has issued an appeal to the general public of the province to not wear gloves and masks, due to the risks these items pose in spreading the coronavirus if not used properly.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a scarce commodity and should be used appropriately and by the appropriate people.Ā If you are not ill and not in close contact with someone who has Coronavirus, you do not need to wear a mask or gloves.

What is personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Personal protective equipment is a wide term for items,Ā such as surgical face masks, N95 respirators, aprons, face shields or visors, goggles, and gloves, that protect against different types of risk. PPE is used when treating peopleĀ who have an infectious disease, cleaning or removing waste.

Who must wear PPE?

Risk determines what personal protection equipment to wear. In general, PPE such as masks and gloves, are only needed if you are in direct contact with- or caring for a person who is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, at home or in a health facility.Ā This is part of infection control.

Scientific evidence proves that by wearing a mask, if it is not needed, you may put yourself at higher risk because you fiddle with the mask and then transfer germs from your hands to your face.

Wearing a mask or gloves when going to the supermarket or pharmacy to buy essentials, is ineffective, unnecessary, and will not protect you from the Coronavirus. In fact, it can spread infection faster.

The Health Department has developed clear guidelines for the general public. It advises the public toĀ practice good hand hygiene, not touch your face, and to keep a distance of 1.5 metres from other people when you have to leave your home for essential items or medical care.Ā Members of the public should also strictly obey the conditions of the current lockdown by staying at home unless necessary ā€“ to not do so is breaking the law.

To reiterate, for the general public no PPE is needed.

You do not need to wear a mask in public if you are not ill. In fact, if you do not feel well, stay at home. If you have flu-like symptoms, call the national hotline at 0800 029 999 or the provincial hotline at 021 928 4102.

We are aware that certain national policies have a requirement for staff to wear certain PPE items, for example masks. We are engaging those bodies with expert advice to make sure PPE is used appropriately.

For more information on doā€™s and donā€™ts of Coronavirus, visit our website onĀ www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirus

Together, letā€™s stop the spread.

– END ā€“

Contact:
Mark Van Der Heever
Deputy Director: Communications
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 078 589 4156
Email:Ā Mark.vanderheever@westerncape.gov.za

Media Statement: Trading hours, meals-to-go and cigarette sales

MediaĀ  Statement

For Immediate Release

29 March 2020

Three issues, namely the standardising of trading hours, selling meals-to-go and cigarettes, were some of the many pressing issues discussed at the Multi Agency Command Centre at Garden Route District Municipality over the past two days.

Here is what you need to know:

Trading hours

It was decided to standardise the trading hours of shops that trade with food. The decision, taken at the COVID-19 Garden Route District Multi Agency Command Centre, aims to reduce the number of people on the road and visiting shops. Trading hours will be between 08:00 and 18:00, daily.

Meals-to-go

Selling of ready-made hot meals is prohibited. No business, food outlet, including supermarkets (like Spar, Woolworths, Checkers Pick ā€˜ Pay, etc.), restaurants or cafĆ©s will be allowed to provide any hot prepared meals, meals-to-go or take aways to any member of the public.

Cigarettes

A decision was made a short while ago by the South African Police Service to ban the sale of cigarettes, this decision, has however been reversed. Grocers who form part of the selling of essential items, are allowed to sell cigarettes again, but not Tobacco-only traders.

ENDS

Media Queries
Herman Pieters | Senior Communicator
Garden Route District Municipality
E-mail: communications@gardenroute.gov.za