The Western Cape Government issued a circular (H51/2020) to guide various businesses and organisations with regard to measures that they need to put in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid 19). The circular is specifically aimed at the transport, retail, petrol stations, banking, the post office and essential services sectors. The Garden Route District Command Council suggests that while the peak period of essential business activities approaches, businesses in the Garden Route should adhere to the guidelines provided to them in the circular.

RETAIL, BANKING AND POST OFFICES

The retail, banking and post office environments are advised to not allow their establishments to be overcrowded. A limited number of people to enter the building should be allowed. Together with this, the method to manage queues outside an establishment to ensure social distancing must also be put in place, for example marker lines that serve as an indication to consumers on where to wait. Furthermore products should be spread out in aisles to prevent people shopping too close to one another. Each staff member should be reminded to avoid touching his/her eyes, nose and mouth, particularly when hands are not clean – regular hand washing is advised. Customers on the other hand should be offered alcohol-based hand sanitisers before entering the establishment – employees should spray the sanitiser to manage the usage thereof. When customers leave a paypoint area the counter top and credit card machine must be wiped before the next customer is assisted. To close off all business activities of the day, each counter and the entire business area should be thoroughly disinfected.

FUEL STATIONS

In the fuel franchising sector, staff should encourage customers to remain in their vehicles, unless they have to go to the shop. Attendants have to keep a 1,5 meter distance from the window of the vehicle unless they are offering a card machine to the customer or have to collect money. Before payments are made, attendants are encouraged to offer the customer alcohol-based hand sanitiser to clean their hands. Subsequently machines should be cleaned after the customer has left. All machines, pumps and surrounding equipment have to be cleaned with a disinfectant. Petrol attendants must avoid touching doors, windows and door handles of vehicles.

TAXI INDUSTRY

Drivers or owners in the taxi industry also have a big responsibility to ensure that personnel are aware of proper hygiene practices. Drivers/personnel are encouraged to clean buses and taxi ranks with soap and water to close off business operations of the day.

By doing so, surfaces at the bus depot and taxi ranks should be cleaned each hour while the area is in use. Passengers must keep a minimum social distance of 1,5 meters – markers are also regarded as an effective method to give guidance. When handling doors, no customers should be allowed to touch door handles of minibuses or buses. Drivers have to open doors for customers on their arrival. Doors should furthermore be left open while the vehicle fills to its limit. Again, alcohol-based hand sanitisers have to be offered to customers before they enter the bus or mini-taxi. After receiving money from customers, all drivers have to clean their hands with the sanitiser. Social distancing, even inside the bus/minibus should be practiced; meaning enough space should be allowed between passengers. Windows should be kept open to allow droplets to escape through the windows, when a passenger coughs or sneezes. After each trip, all surfaces touched by passengers have to be cleaned. These include: door handles, window ledges and seats. Furthermore, the inside and outside of the vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned twice per day. This can also be done with an alcohol-based sanitiser.

METERED TAXI AND E-HAILING TRANSPORT

In the metered taxi and e-hailing transport environment (Uber, Bolt, etc.) drivers are encouraged to transport one to three passengers per trip, depending on the size of the vehicle. All doors should be handled by drivers. As in other industries, hand sanitisers should also be offered to passengers and when money is exchanged,

drivers are advised to clean their hands immediately thereafter with alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Credit card machines should be wiped each time before use. Windows should be kept open throughout the trips for dirty air to escape, particularly when passengers cough or sneeze.

After each trip door handles and window ledges have to be cleaned and the inside of the vehicle should be disinfected twice per day.

Some general hygiene practices everyone should remember, include:

• coughing into the elbow, keep hands clean by washing both hands with soap or cleaning it with alcohol-based hand sanitiser is still widely advised;
• keep a minimum of 1,5m social distancing from others and avoid crowded areas or gatherings.

To ensure that we contribute to eliminate the spread of the virus to others, it is the duty and responsibility of everyone to take ownership of their health and to protect the health of others. If we respect all the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and National Institute of Communicable Diseases, obey all the rules and regulations of the South African Government, provincial governments and municipalities then soon we will be able to do business as usual again.

Stay home, stay safe.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

20 April 2020

The Department of Social Development (DSD) and Municipalities in the Garden Route recently started with the distribution of food parcels to the most vulnerable households affected by Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.

Social Relief of Distress (SDR) program of DSD

Ms Marie Hendricks, regional director of the DSD for the Garden Route and the Karoo explains as follow: “Prior to the distribution of parcels a thorough process to assess all applications for food relief from the various communities takes place and will continue, until approved beneficiaries are reached.  Potential beneficiaries either apply through their respective local municipalities, NPO’s or through contacting the Western Cape Government call centre. Should applicants struggle to reach the call centre, they can also, as alternative, contact the DSD Local Offices in the District”.

As at 17 April 2020, DSD has received 4503 applications for the Garden Route district alone, of which 2153 were assessed by social workers as a normal social work social relief of distress practice. This process takes place in relation to determining the socio-economic situation/status of every applicant, directly or indirectly affected. Social workers employed by DSD assess the information supplied by applicants telephonically, against the set criteria, provided below. A total of 1108 applications assessed were approved of which 615 deliveries took place across the towns in the District. Applications, thus far, were received from within the following municipal areas George, Knysna, Bitou, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland. This DSD process continues on a daily basis and progress is monitored and reported on a daily basis to the District command centre . All other partners contributing to food relief coordinated by DSD also meet as a separate cluster under the District command centre .

As there are various role players making a contribution to food relief in the District the DSD is also currently busy with a mapping exercise to show the food relief footprint in each municipal area, so as to place all role-players in a position to see where, how and by whom food relief is provided. In addition, how the various communities and how these different services can be accessed by community members are dependent on their needs.  It is also measured against a particular criteria used by each food relief role-player. It is further important that residents who need food aid during this time knows where to go to get relief and as such a fair process of benefit to those who need it most, is being maintained whether directly or indirectly affected by the COVID 19 disaster.

DSD also provide general social work services to families in distress. Their offices can be contacted on a daily basis where social workers are available to telephonically assist in response to the emotional/social wellbeing needs of families.

DSD office numbers in the Garden Route District:

• Eden Karoo Regional Office – 044 814 1687
• George  – 044 814 1920
• Knysna – 044 382 0056
• Mossel Bay – 044 690 3943
• Hessequa  – 028 713 4147
• Kannaland – 028 814 3020
• Oudthoorn – 044 272 8977

Donations from Municipalities

In a quest to also address the shortages of food various local municipalities intervened to provide emergency food relief to the vulnerable. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) set the example and donated half a million rand to distribute approximately 800 food parcels to local municipalities in the district on 9 April 2020.

Bitou Municipality so far distributed 3500 food parcels to the value of R1 050 000 to their vulnerable residents, with Hessequa Municipality who made R1 million available to provide food relief to their residents. Mossel Bay Municipality also reached out to the vulnerable in the area and provided meals to more than 1000 households to the value of R500 000. Although George Municipality also donated food parcels, the municipality predominantly utilises soup kitchens in the area to feed their residents. The number of meals served at these soup kitchens currently stands at 17 000 – two meals per person per day. Knysna Municipality also distributed nearly food parcels to nearly 150 households in its area, however the municipality works closely with the private sector businesses to assist with their food relief initiative, as per a press release issued on April 15. Oudtshoorn Municipality also made funds available for its food relief programme, but the process is still in progress and is done in collaboration with DSD and SASSA to finalise the assessment of all applications received. As soon as the process is completed, the distribution will take place in the Oudtshoorn areas. Kannaland Municipality, at this stage could not make any financial commitment to distribute food parcels, however it does provide meals to vulnerable residents through its soup kitchens and is continuously in discussion with the private sector businesses to assist with donations. The municipality is thankful towards GRDM for the food parcels donated to vulnerable residents of its area of jurisdiction.

Donations from the Public

Last week the the GRDM command centre called upon members of the public to make donations of essential items as a means to further fill the time gap of the SRD Programme of DSD.  This process was rolled out in collaboration with the local municipalities in the Garden Route. All donations received are distributed according to the criteria set by DSD and some are distributed to the soup kitchens that are in operation in the respective municipal areas. Items that are donated include: food items, cleaning and hygiene products. Clothing for men, women and children at home shelters are also needed.

While there is much uncertainty of how long the lockdown will stay in effect, more donations are required to assist with the needs of the vulnerable in the district. Individuals or business are requested to contact their Local Municipalities or DSD to make arrangement for donations.

DSD and partners would like to thank the public for their generosity! Every donation counts and support helps to further alleviate the dire conditions that so many community members have to endure every day. Support is invaluable to DSD, and the public is thanked for their ongoing support.

Media Release: Garden Route district homeless are cared for during the COVID-19 pandemic

For Immediate Release

16 April 2020

Since the first case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) was confirmed in the Garden Route district, homeless people were amongst many who were identified as the extremely vulnerable to the impact of the virus.

For this reason, the Department of Social Development (DSD), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and local municipalities in the district, worked and planned together at the GRDM command centre to make arrangements to accommodate these vulnerable at temporary shelters for the homeless.

At a social cluster meeting held on 15 April, it was reported that approximately 250 homeless persons are housed at these shelters. However, according to Ms Una Petersen from DSD the number of homeless people fluctuate on a daily basis.

Some of the shelters that are currently utilised include: Itemba Shelter in Oudtshoorn, the Rosemoor Stadium inclusive of the clubhouse in George, Loerie Park stadium in Knysna, Native Roots in Bitou, Shack Shack, Bay Vista and the Haven in Mossel Bay.  Furthermore, in Hessequa tents are put up at premises of families to accommodate their homeless family members.

Apart from having a roof over their heads and beds to sleep on, these individuals are also provided with hot meals on a daily basis.

In order to fit the criteria and to be considered as temporary resident at these shelters, each person is screened at a local clinic where after the South African Police Service transports them to a shelter nearby.

For more information and to apply for temporary a shelter, please contact Ms Una Petersen at the DSD Regional Office at telephone number 044 814 1687 or per e-mail at Adriana.Petersen@westerncape.gov.za or Mia.Davids@westerncape.gov.za.

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

3 April 2020

After the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic started affecting South Africans, members of the public now face a myriad of challenges that no one anticipated.  One challenge, which was also brought to the attention of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Multi-Agency Command Centre, is the rapid increase of prices of essential goods within the Garden Route district. These items include various food products, toiletry essentials, disinfectants, to name a few.

The Competition Commission on 20 March 2020 issued a media statement to alert retailers regarding this type of conduct during this critical period. According to the statement, several complaints from the public about rising prices for essential products in particular certain food products, healthcare and hygiene products are noted.  The Commission also stated their concern about suppliers inflating prices as government, retailers and private healthcare companies embark on emergency procurement of products related to the curbing and managing of the spread of COVID-19.

The National Minister of Trade and Industry and Economic Development Ebrahim Patel on Thursday gazetted regulations in terms of the Competition Act and Disaster Management Act which aims to strengthen the ability of the commission and the National Consumer Commission to respond to incidences of exploitative pricing. These regulations empower the commission to prosecute cases where prices have increased materially without any cost justifications for the increase.

The Multi-Agency Command Centre urges retailers in the district, that should they not adhere to the regulations published by the National Minister, they will face severe penalties, including a 10 % of the store/business’ annual turnover for an offence of the first time and a 25 % of the annual turnover for a repeated offence. Further to this, directors of such companies who engage in illegal price hikes will face a potential imprisonment for a period of up to 10 years.

We therefore call upon all businesses/retailers within the Garden Route district to adhere to these Regulations to ensure that the residents/consumers of the district are fairly treated and served.

Consumers should bring their concerns to the attention of regulators through the toll-free no. 0800 014 880.

Written by Marillia Veldkornet | Communication Officer

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

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre

Media Release: Your donation is needed – CoronaVirus/Covid19 Pandemic

For Immediate Release
3 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 Municipality’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.

Donation of non-perishable food, toiletries, bedding for single beds and hand sanitisers will be of particular benefit to the less fortunate.   The Social Development Cluster of the GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre kindly requests the public to make donations of this kind at the sites listed below:

Drop off points and/or contacts details per town are as follows:

HESSEQUA

Hessequa Fire Station, Mulder Street, Riversdale. Contact 028 713 7917 or 028 713 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.  Contact the emergency call centre on 044 606 5000 or 044 691 3722.

GEORGE

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 044 272 8977/ 083 689 2893 and Mr Wayne Peterson at 044 272 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] – 082 960 5746

Mr Mzukisi Skosana [George] – 083 628 7074

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

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

Donations by the public must happen without violating the isolation or quarantine measures in place or putting oneself or others at risk. It is advised that pre-arranged drop-off times be arranged to avoid overcrowding at sites. Donations will be controlled in adherence to lockdown regulations and responsibly distributed.

We thank you.

ENDS

Written by Marillia Veldkornet | Communication Officer

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

Garden Route District Multi-Agency Command Centre