Durban beaches have always had major holiday appeal. Image: Pixabay
Easter restrictions: Beaches WILL remain open but health protocols apply
While Easter restrictions are on the cards, some things will remain the same. Beaches will stay open under adjusted Level 1 lockdown.
Durban beaches have always had major holiday appeal. Image: Pixabay
Good news Mzansi, beaches will remain open but other Easter restrictions have been announced in preparation for any festivities that could bring about a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Tuesday 30 March, held another family meeting and there, announced that we would remain at adjusted Level 1 lockdown but not so fast, alcohol for off-site consumption will not be sold for four days over the long weekend.
While these restrictions will have an impact on the economy, we trust that the National coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) and Cabinet took this decision to strike a perfect balance between lives and livelihoods.
BEACHES, PARKS AND DAMS TO REMAIN OPEN
While there are limitations on alcohol sales for a period of four days, Ramaphosa said some things will remain the same under adjusted Level 1 lockdown.
- Public recreational spaces such as beaches, parks and dams will remain open, however, this will continue to be subject to strict health protocols, such as social distancing, mask-wearing.
- The curfew we had from midnight to 4:00 will remain in place; and
- Interprovincial travel will still be permitted.
“However, I urge all South Africans to limit their travel as much as possible and to observe all the necessary health protocols if they cannot avoid travelling,” said Ramaphosa.
Back in December 2020, Ramaphosa announced that a number of beaches would be closed during the festive season due to high volumes of COVID-19 cases and a second wave.
The problem many had with the decision was that people should have been meeting in well-ventilated areas ie beaches, however, this was off-limits at the time, pushing citizens to congregate elsewhere, perhaps indoor areas, therefore posing a greater threat. Despite this, the decision was final and there was no getting away from a published gazette. This time, Ramaphosa and his advisors decided to take a different approach, keeping Easter restrictions to a minimum.
‘THIS PANDEMIC IS STILL VERY MUCH WITH US’
If you’re wondering why there were any Easter restrictions at all it’s because the pandemic is still very much with us. While public spaces such as beaches remain open, Ramaphosa said we must act with caution, not just this coming weekend but in the days, weeks and months ahead.
“We do not know when the coronavirus pandemic will be behind us, but we all know what must be done. We know that wearing a mask in public at all times, regularly washing or sanitising our hands, observing social distancing and avoiding crowds are still the most effective way of keeping the virus at bay,” said Ramaphosa.
“Any action that puts ourselves or others at risk must be avoided. The restrictions that are in place for our collective health and safety must be observed. Let us be a responsible nation that is forever aware of the presence of the virus,” he added.
