Majority of V&A Waterfront set to close due to coronavirus lockdown

The V&A Waterfront, on Tuesday 24 March, announced its partial shutdown due to the lockdown period enforced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday. 

On Monday 23 March, the president announced a nationwide lockdown to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Ramaphosa ordered all South African citizens to remain at home for a 21-day period for their own safety. They are only permitted to leave for food supplies, medication or social grants. 

The Waterfront in Cape Town has since announced that, in support of the president and his instructions, only a section of the shopping centre will be open to allow grocery stores (Pick n Pay and Woolworths) to trade, along with the pharmacies and ATMs. 

V&A Waterfront under lockdown 

The V&A is now going to implement the conditions of the lockdown, which means:  

• The majority of the premises throughout the V&A Waterfront will be closed. However, a section of the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre will be open to allow grocery stores (Pick n Pay and Woolworths) to trade, along with the pharmacies and the ATMs;
• Tenants must ensure that the above is actioned and completed prior to or post the operating hours 9:00 to 18:00 on Thursday 26 March;
• Certain other areas within the V&A Waterfront will have limited activities, such as the marine and fishing industries and certain financial services; and 
• The majority of non-operational staff will in effect go on leave, while management staff will be working remotely. 

Ramaphosa’s basic COVID-19 precautionary measures 

Measures that South Africans are currently trying to implement before the lockdown period are: 

• The lockdown will begin on the evening of Thursday 26 March at 23:59; 
• The lockdown will remain in force for 21 days; and
• All South Africans will have to stay at home until midnight on Thursday 16 April. 

The categories of people exempted from this lockdown are as follows: 

• Health workers in the public and private sector;
• Emergency personnel; 
• Security services – such as the police, traffic officers, medical personnel, soldiers;
• Other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic; and
• It will also include those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food and basic goods, essential banking services, the maintenance of power, water and telecommunications services, laboratory services, and the provision of medical and hygiene products. 

Will I be able to leave my house? 

• People will still be allowed to go to shops and access essential goods and services but in small numbers; 
• It is up to all of us to minimise our movement;
• Only undertake essential trips outside your home such as to get food, seek medical care or access supplies; 
• When leaving your home try and go out alone, plan your trip and get in and out of your destination as quickly as possible; and 
• Practice hygiene when you go out, wash your hands when leaving home, do so again at your destination and before you depart for home.