RIVERSDAL NEWS - The number of Covid-19 cases rose to 709 on Wednesday 25 March, which is an increase of 155 new cases since Tuesday.
In order to stop the corona virus from spreading further, President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March announced a total lockdown for 21 days. This will start at midnight on Thursday 26 March and continue until 16 April.
The virus and measures to contain it have far-reaching consequences for the municipality, businesses, the tourism industry, medical facilities and the lives of ordinary people.
The municipality has closed down town and community halls, libraries and museums, as well as sporting facilities and beaches.
Guest houses have already taken a knock as a result of cancellation of events, while restaurants and pubs have suffered because of shorter business hours and the restricted sale of liquor. Most coffee shops and restaurants are providing adequate hand sanitizing facilities.
Health and medical facilities will remain open for emergencies only. Persons who fit the criteria for possible infection according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases will be tested at clinics throughout the region, but only on prior appointment. Patients will be allowed to visit doctors during the lockdown.
Strict measures such as keeping a distance of 1,5m from each other, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and continuous sanitizing of hands and surfaces, are also in place. As a result of people trying to protect themselves, pharmacies have long since run out of face masks and hand sanitizer, but are selling vitamin supplements as people are trying to boost their immunity. Pharmacies will remain open during the lockdown.
Supermarkets have given the assurance that there are enough goods available to ensure the shelves are well stocked. No mass buying of, for instance, toilet paper is necessary.
The president ensured that those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food are exempt of the lockdown. Agri SA confirmed that the agricultural sector is cooperating with government to ensure that fresh and other produce will be available. Even in the case of the lockdown, harvesting, processing, distribution, delivery and sales of produce will continue. In addition, essential banking services will continue and the public may collect their social grants from payout points.
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