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Disaster Management

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alerts – High Seas, Heavy Rain & Flooding and Snow – 18 AUgust 2020

Weather Alert: Severe Weather Alerts – High Seas, Heavy Rain & Flooding and Snow – 18 AUgust 2020

The Cape Town Weather office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

Hazard 1: High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 23h00

High seas with wave heights between 6-7m are expected between Cape Agulhas and Plettenberg Bay today (18/08/2020).

Hazard 2: Heavy rain

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 15h00

Heavy rain is expected over the eastern parts of the Garden Route district (W-Cape) today (18/08/2020).

Hazard 3: Flooding

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 15h00

Flooding is expected over the eastern parts of the Garden Route district (W-Cape) today (18/08/2020).

Descriptions: Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

Precautions: Snow

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Flooding / Heavy Rain

Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.

Precautions: Flooding / Heavy Rain

If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Storm surges

Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

Precautions: Storm surges

All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.

If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Description: Storm surges / High Seas

Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.

Precautions: Storm surges / High Seas

Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.

Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.

Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.

Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.

If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

17 August 2020 Severe Weather Alerts: Damaging wind, storm surges, heavy rain, high seas, snow and flooding

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts:

Hazard 1: Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 11h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 19h00

Warning: A gale force westerly to north-westerly wind (62-80km/h) is expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from early afternoon, becoming south-westerly and spreading to Plettenberg Bay from late afternoon including the coastal towns along the south-west and south coasts, easing from the west tomorrow (17-18/08/2020). Advisory: Strong winds (50-62km/h) are expected over the Central Karoo and Cape Winelands (W-Cape) today (17/08/2020).

Hazard 2: Storm surges

Alert Level: Watch

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 23h00

Storm surges expected between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday (18/08/2020).

Hazard 3: Heavy rain

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 15h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 07h00

Heavy rain expected over the Garden Route district, southern parts of Cape Winelands and Overberg areas (W-Cape) from this afternoon into early tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020).

Hazard 4: Flooding

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 15h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 08h00

Flooding is expected over Cape Metropole, Overberg and Garden Route districts (W-Cape) tonight into tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020).

Hazard 5: Snow

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 17/08/20 10h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 11h00

Disruptive snowfalls are expected over the high lying areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts (W-Cape) overnight into tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020).

Hazard 6: High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 16h00

High seas of 6-9m are expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas tomorrow (17/08/2020) evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay and Cape Columbine from early Tuesday morning, subsiding west of Cape Agulhas from Tuesday afternoon.

Hazard 7: High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 18/08/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/08/20 16h00

High seas with wave heights of 6-7m are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas this evening, spreading to Plettenberg Bay from early tomorrow morning (17-18/08/2020), subsiding west of Cape Agulhas from tomorrow afternoon.

PRECAUTIONS: SNOW

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.  Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre  at 044-805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

8 August 2020 Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following weather alert.

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert level: Watch
Valid from (SAST): 08/08/20 – 12h00
Valid to (SAST): 09/08/20 – 00h00

A Gale force NW wind (62 to 74km/h) is expected between Cape Point and Cape Agulhas and over the Central Karoo (Western Cape) tomorrow(08/08/2020).

ADVISORY
1.Strong (50-65km/h) north westerly winds are expected over the interior of the Western Cape on Saturday and Sunday (08-09/08/2020).
2.Strong to near gale force (60-70km/h) north westerly winds are expected between Lamberts Bay and Cape Point on Saturday (08/08/2020) but strong to gale force (65-80km/h) westerly to south-westerly between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay overnight into Sunday (09/08/2020).

DESCRIPTION: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

PRECAUTIONS: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions

Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Report any severe weather incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at: 044- 805 5071

#SevereWeatherAlert #GardenRouteDM #StaySafe

4 August 2020 Media Release: How Red Dot Transport operates in the Garden Route

Media Release: How Red Dot Transport operates in the Garden Route

For immediate release
04 August 2020

The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of a critical transport service during the COVID-19 pandemic to those making use of isolation and quarantine facilities.

If a person does not have a safe or adequate space to isolate and quarantine at, a Red Dot Taxi will be used to escort the patient safely to and from one of the regional facilities. The Western Cape Department of Health earlier this year appointed Umanyano Travel Services to provide the service.

Each vehicle is fitted with a protective screen between the driver and passengers, a tracker to monitor performance and the recognisable Red Dot Taxi sticker to make them easily identifiable for their intended passengers. To ensure that passengers stay and feel safe during their trips, drivers/operators, during and after trips, follow strict safety and hygiene protocols. This includes proper cleaning and the sanitisation of vehicles, the use of cloth masks and appropriate protective gear.

The service can only be arranged through public health facilities in the Western Cape, whereby a clinician (doctor or nurse), will request for a person to be transported.

Also read: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/red-dot-transports-12-000-healthcare-workers

iStock.com/piyaset

13 July 2020 Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

Media Release: Understanding drought, the frequency of it, vulnerability and how the Garden Route as a region can adapt to become more resilient

For Immediate Release
13 July 2020

Drought can be defined as a climatic event originating from a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more. This deficiency results in a water shortage within agricultural, urban and environmental settings. From 2009-2020, municipalities located within the Garden Route Municipality’s (GRDM) jurisdiction experienced drought episodes of varying degrees, ranging from moderate to severe and extreme meteorological droughts. Diminished rainfall during these drought episodes results in numerous lagged, “knock-on” consequences to ground and surface water resources, that translates into critically low urban water supplies in the Garden Route district. These hydrological drought conditions also generate additional effects and necessitated significant emergency responses over the last 11 year period in the Garden Route district.

The Western Cape has been identified as particularly vulnerable to climate change, because of its coastal location and the influence of rising sea temperatures on the weather patterns in the adjacent region. Prediction is that by 2050, the rainfall in the Western Cape is likely to decrease by 30% relative to current figures. The drought in the Garden Route district is consistent with long-term climate change projections for the area.

It is predicted by scientists that there will definitely be an average increase in temperatures within the district, having serious implications for soil moisture and the agricultural sector. A reduction in winter rainfall, with changes in the timing and intensity of the rainfall, is also predicted, thereby contributing to extended periods of drought with intermittent flooding events in between.

Climate variability and changing weather conditions are key risk drivers when it comes to drought vulnerability within the Garden Route district.

Consistent with prevailing studies on drought and water scarcity, the vulnerability within the Garden Route district is also amplified by interacting risk drivers that progressively escalated the risk of a wide-spread water shortage. These risk drivers include population growth and unprecedented urban development within the district, which results in greatly increased water consumption, both in agriculture and in the rapidly growing coastal towns. A lack of resilient and adaptive drought risk management planning within development zones further exacerbates the areas vulnerability to drought.

The focus of the GRDM to address the disastrous impacts of drought events within the district, has been to connect with climate change science and to facilitate the “climate-proofing” of water services within the district, so that the rights of all to reliable, safe, sufficient, affordable water is not compromised by the impacts of climate change, and that alternative strategies for providing water services do not in themselves contribute further to global warming. This however needs to be a collaborative focus by different stakeholders within the sector. Through adaptive responses and actions to drought impacts, municipalities have the power to provide resilient responses to ensure water security and sustainability for the district within the face of climatic unpredictability.

Responses such as rigorous water demand management, a systematic investment in water infrastructure and technical capacity is essential to manage the district’s water supplies sustainably. Alternative and new water resource options need to be investigated to ensure the integrity of the water system, such as the use of groundwater, the re-use of effluent and the desalination of seawater. Groundwater potential also exists in most of the district, and its conjunctive use with other supply sources and infrastructure should be investigated. Volumes can be obtained on a sustainable basis through more adaptive management actions such as resource directed measures where it is most needed. Desalination is also an important supply intervention, as decreasing costs could result in desalination being implemented prior to some of the conventional water resource schemes. Desalination can be an efficient method to cater for prolonged drought emergencies, a stronger trend in climate change and rapid growth scenarios. The clearing of invasive alien plants from riparian buffer zones is also a key mechanism for managing this risk, as it helps to restore base-flows that are otherwise used by invasive alien plants.

Due to the more erratic rainfall patterns experienced and forecasted due to climate change, a more holistic view is needed in the district, with a balance of different sources to cope with extremities.  The focus need to shift towards the careful management and optimisation of existing use. Planning and preparedness needs to take a more general flexible form. There is room for the local municipalities within the district to tackle specific issues their own way, allowing for more flexibility, with appropriate responses for the different local contexts. The Garden Route district would therefore like to encourage its local municipalities to ensure that their municipal disaster risk assessments incorporate considerations of their specific urban water scarcity levels and drought risks and their patterns in population growth and urban development, and to implement strong water conservation and demand management programmes, and more adaptive and resilient interventions.

By being resilient, it means that the municipality has the capacity to cope with future change and surprises, without changing in undesirable ways. Resilient interventions are defined by actions that support and regulate life support systems, as well as in providing the adaptive basis for coping with gradual and sudden change.  Through adopting a resilience perspective, we can produce new knowledge which is fundamental to manage the capacity of water systems to cope, adapt and shape change.

By adopting a more resilience approach to drought, vulnerability within the district can be minimized through a reduced exposure to stresses, as well as a reduction in social-ecological sensitivities through sustaining ecosystem services and human well-being in vulnerable areas. Through adopting this approach, a management approach focusing on proactive strategies – able to adapt to change, can be achieved, thereby averting or ameliorating the impacts of drought disasters within the district.

ENDS

Issued by the Disaster Management Unit, Garden Route District Municipality
Media queries: Herman Pieters, communications@gardenroute.gov.za

13 July 2020 Severe Weather Warnings – Storm Surges, High Seas & Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather warnings:

HAZARD (1): Storm surges

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

Expected between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay today, persisting into Tuesday morning east of Cape Agulhas (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (2): High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

High to very high seas with wave heights between 6-9m is expected between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay from today through to Tuesday afternoon, but very high wave heights between 9-13m between Slangkop and Plettenberg Bay (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (3): Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/07/20 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 13/07/20 17h00

WARNING: Gale to strong gale force north-westerly to westerly winds (65-100km/h) are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, spreading to Plettenberg Bay, while (65-75km/h) over the entire Western Cape today (12-13/07/2020).

DESCRIPTION: Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTIONS: Snow

If driving, decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges

Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges

All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.

If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges / High Seas

Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life. In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges / High Seas

Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.

Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.

Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.

Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.

If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

To report any severe weather related incidents, contact:

Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

10 July 2020 Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts.

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 10/07/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 11/07/20 18h00

  1. Strong interior westerly to north-westerly winds (50-62km/h) are expected over the Namakwa District (N.Cape) as well as the Central Karoo (W.Cape) today.
  2. Gale to strong gale force south-westerly winds (70-100km/h) along the coastal areas between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday (11/07/2020) morning, moderating by the afternoon.

DESCRIPTION: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.

PRECAUTIONS: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.

Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: SNOW

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTION: SNOW

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.

PRECAUTIONS: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

9 July 2020 Media Release: Essential workers from GRDM continue to do their best to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Media Release: Essential workers from GRDM continue to do their best to prevent the spread of COVID-19

For immediate release
9 July 2020

During the past weekend (3-5 July 2020) essential workers from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued with their schedule to disinfect areas in George in their endeavour to reduce the risk of the transmission of the COVID-19 Coronavirus in the district.

The latest charts issued by the Western Cape Department of Health, illustrating the hotspots identified in the George area.

Fourteen (14) Environmental Health Practitioners and 12 Firefighters from GRDM accompanied by Municipality’s Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Khayalethu Lose, with the assistance of the South African Police Services, formed part of the operation.  The disinfection took place at areas located in Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Lawaaikamp and Maraiskamp, with the focus on reaching the emerging hotspots in George.  Routine visits to those in self-quarantine or self-isolation at their private residences also formed part of the operation. This is done to ensure that members of the public adhere to the regulated COVID-19 protocols and for team to continue with contact tracing. It is also welcomed by patients because a time in isolation or quarantine can be lonely.

The Garden Route District Municipal team disinfecting various areas in George.

In the Thembalethu area, the Shopping Square, 30 taxis and the garage area were disinfected, as well as the inside of shops and business premises. According to GRDM Station Officer: Fire & Safety Training, Mr Deon Stoffels, who supervises the operations, these businesses include: barbers, hair salons, timber shops and car spares shops. “The operation continued in Pacaltsdorp with the outside of the food retail stores and all other places where many feet pass through,” he said. In the Rosemoor residential area, all main shops and four spaza shops in Protea Park were also disinfected.The operation continued in Pacaltsdorp with the outside of Spar, the Mingo Camp and all main shops that were disinfected,” he said. In the Rosemoor residential area, all main shops and four spaza shops in Protea Park were also disinfected.

As part of the programme, bottles of disinfectant, hand sanitisers and soap are handed over to the owners and/or representatives of the respective public areas, as well as patients/contacts at private residences to ensure they and the environment they live in, are kept hygienic and safe.

According to Mr Johan Compion, Manager for Municipal Health and Environmental Services at GRDM, visits to disinfect these spots were not randomly done. He explained: “These areas were identified as hotspots or to reach patients who have tested positive for COVID-19”.  Compion further said:  “During our visits to especially the private residences, 3.77% of these were non-compliant, but we issued notices of warning to all who did not comply to the regulations that were put in place by the Western Cape Department of Health”.

“As part of the continued programme, we plan to visit and disinfect more areas in the Garden Route,” Mr Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services, said.  He concluded and confirmed that areas in Mossel Bay and Knysna will be the next areas where similar exercises will be conducted in the upcoming weeks.

[ENDS]