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KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala says the province will remain open to the public during the December period and South Africans should not cancel their vacation plans.
However, Zikalala said the province will implement strict measures to ensure protocols are followed, including wearing masks and social distancing.
Zikalala told eNCA that tourists would be welcome in the province in hotels and BnB, but that they should avoid overcrowded areas.
The prime minister added that a formal decision had not been made to close beaches in the province, however, he confirmed that all major events would be banned.
“The beaches will not be closed for now, that is the decision we have made (as a province). If it’s pushing, we might be forced to close (the beaches) for swimming, but allow people to be in and around the beach for pleasure. “
Zikalala explained that this eventuality could arise when people are forced to remove their masks for swimming, but not for other activities.
While open spaces like beaches are largely considered safe from coronavirus transmission, the prime minister said he was concerned about overcrowding on specific days.
These days include:
- December 16: Day of Reconciliation and public holiday;
- December 26: goodwill day and public holiday;
- December 31 – New Years Eve.
Zikalala said any decision on the restrictions will be made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, based on presentations made by his provincial government.
“That is why we are saying that there is no such decision (by the national government to close beaches), since the president has not made any decision.”
This lines up with comments conducted by Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize, who said the country’s provincial governments are considering recommendations on how to hold large gatherings and parties.
Mkhiz said the final decision on these recommendations will be made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, following discussions with the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).
When asked if South Africa could return to a higher level of lockdown, Mkhize said provincial governments, district municipalities and stakeholders have been asked for plans and proposals to be presented for consideration by the NCCC and the cabinet. .
Mkhize said it is not possible to know what level of restrictions might be introduced, but said there has to be some way to encourage responsible behavior by South Africans and discourage complacent behavior.
“Once all these questions have been raised together, we can get a more definitive answer on how best to move forward. But that will be after the cabinet and President Ramaphosa give a speech, then we will have a clear direction, “he said.
For now, Mkhize said the focus will continue to be on containment measures such as face masks, social distancing and good hygiene practices.
“Yes, (the) holiday season is a time for us to relax and enjoy ourselves with our families, but now we must understand that we have a responsibility to enjoy ourselves with various restrictions.
“If our enjoyment is going to lead to more people getting sick, being admitted and even some losing their lives, it is not a responsible way to have fun. We need to prepare for a different holiday season. “
Read: Alcohol Industry Announces Measures to Reduce the Spread of Covid-19 in South Africa
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