Fog off, COVID-19: Bitou Municipality decides against drastic ‘fogging’

Officials from the Bitou Municipality – where Plettenberg Bay is located – have climbed down on plans to begin “fogging” the region during the coronavirus lockdown.

Fogging off – why Bitou officials have backed down

Although it’s an accepted practice across in the worldwide fight against COVID-19, it may be a case of too much, too soon for locals. Friday marks the first day where citizens have been ordered to stay inside unless they need to travel as a matter of urgency. Fogging an entire town at short notice would’ve done nobody’s fears and anxieties any good.

The CEO of Bitou Tourism, Maruis Venter, originally proposed the idea. But local officials are worried about the negative impact the measure could have. The municipality confirmed in a statement that fogging, for now, is an option that has been taken off the table.

“We have decided against the proposed fogging of the town The Bitou Council, notes that, all over the world various methods are applied to try and prevent the spread of the virus. Fogging could perhaps have made a huge impact on fighting the virus.”

“However, there is still a lot of suspicion around this method and at this stage it may cause a lot of alarm and stress amongs residents who already have to deal with the growing numbers of positive cases reported as well as the looming lockdown. It was tabled as another proposed measure to potentially reduce the impact of Coronavirus.”

Bitou Municipality

How it works in the fight against coronavirus

Fogging is used to decontaminate large sections of society, such as busy towns or our streets and roads. The process can also be used to deter people from leaving their homes, when strictly asked not to. However, given the current climate, it’s best that the move is put on the back-burner for a little while.