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By Tanya Waterworth 
4h ago
Durban – A dark cloud hung over KZN’s beaches on Friday as urgent discussions were taking place at the national and provincial levels about whether or not the beaches would be closed during the holiday season.
The second increase in Covid-19 affected the province this week, just as the Christmas season began, which would help save the tourism and hospitality sector brought to its knees by the pandemic.
With thousands of visitors expected to arrive in the province this week, as well as thousands approaching Durban’s beaches on the Reconciliation Day holiday on December 16, it appears that the most likely scenario will be strict measures to contain crowds and ensure that the public adhere to Covid-19 protocols.
This will apply to beaches and public spaces, such as parks.
On Friday, at the People’s Park (Moses Mabhida Stadium), KZN Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala launched Operation Vala, the multi-disciplinary law enforcement deployment for the holiday season to reinforce security measures across the province. .
These include Covid-19 measures and compliance with required protocols for mask use, disinfectant use and social distancing.
Zikalala said the National Coronavirus Command Council will meet later on Friday when the issue of beaches will be discussed. He did not commit to when a decision would be announced, saying it would be premature. It has been speculated that President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce the decision at the end of the weekend.
“We are still in consultation. We will not rule out the closure of beaches, but we are consulting on what measures and interventions could be put in place. We could close swimming and the closure at specific times has been discussed,” said Zikalala, adding there could also be restrictions. at the entrance and exit of the beaches.
He said alcohol would not be allowed on beaches and that crime-fighting operations would intensify in the coming weeks, including more roadblocks.
“We will have zero tolerance for those who violate the protocols (Covid-19). There will be strict protection measures against Covid. There will be no big events and we call on everyone to receive their families at home.
“Visitors and residents can enjoy our coast and inland areas without being overcrowded. We will also be monitoring the picnics in the parks, “he said.
Zikalala also confirmed that Operation Vala sprang into action on Thursday, with a raid on trucks in the port of Durban with a focus on illegal drivers and unfit trucks. This was followed by roadblocks, where unlicensed drivers were arrested and car owners identified as unfit to drive were fined. The authorities then moved to the popular Florida Road, where inspections of entertainment venues and restaurants were conducted regarding compliance with Covid-19 protocols.
Also at the launch, MEC Ravi Pillay, who heads Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said he had been in meetings yesterday morning, including with the KZN Business Council.
“I just came out of very intense discussions with the business and hospitality sector. We all accept that Covid is real and that the second increase is real and that we have to implement any mitigation possible.
“The total closure of the beaches would be counterproductive for economic efforts and the tourism sector,” said Pillay, adding that sufficient controls could be implemented.
“The final decision is made at the national level and we believe that a decision is imminent,” he said.
Also speaking about possible measures on the beaches, the MEC of Transport and Community Safety, Bheki Ntuli, said that it was a question of finding a balance between “an economy that has weakened a lot” and the spread of Covid. He said measures such as limited times for beaches could be implemented. He also reiterated that the public could expect a major crackdown on alcohol consumption and driving with intensified roadblocks in the coming weeks.
EThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, who was also at the launch of the fight against crime, urged people to consider going to the beach on days other than the holidays of December 16, 25 and 26 and December 1. January.
“Let’s not take advantage of those days, we are going to extend ourselves to visit the beach on other days. Visitors are ready to come here and there must be strict conditions regarding Covid protocols,” he said.
“The important thing is that each of us adhere to social distancing, wash our hands and wear a mask. It’s about protecting your life and that of other people. Behave responsibly, ”said the mayor.
The launch was attended by different crime fighting units and law enforcement agencies from across the province. The city’s high-tech crime-fighting tools were also on display, including the eThekwini Multi-Agency Command Vehicle, which is capable of coordinating city-wide and beachfront cameras to identify criminals and / or areas. of access points, while a drone also hovered over the launch monitoring procedures.
Independent on saturday
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