THE VILLAGE
NEWS
11 NOVEMBER 2020 YOUR FREE COPY #ALLOVEROVERBERG The next issue of The Village NEWS will be out on 18 November 2020.
www.thevillagenews.co.za
PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
It almost felt like the ‘good old days’ before Covid as artwalkers came out in support of the Hermanus First Fridays galleries on Friday evening. Groups of friends were also out on the town to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at places such as The Wine Glass. Read more about the Artwalk on P11.
Keep your guard up Writer De Waal Steyn
A
s the festive season approaches, it is critical that “we do not become the architects of our own undoing”, said Pres Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly letter to the nation on Monday 9 November. With tourism, one of the biggest contributors to our local economy, still under severe pressure the president’s words ring especially true for the Overstand, according to Frieda Lloyd, Tourism Manager for the Cape Whale Coast. “While we are cautiously optimistic about the increase in the number of tourists, we must remember that we are still quite a way removed from the numbers we normally see, especially
during this time of year. Almost all the tourists now are from the Western Cape or neighbouring provinces and there are very few international tourists. Therefore a large chunk of the income we would normally see will not realise this year. The effects of the pandemic are still very much a reality in our towns, despite the relatively low numbers of infections,” she said. “Over the weekend the Overstrand had a total 41 active cases and the Overberg 81 cases. But as can be seen in KwaZulu-Natal and in George, it takes truly little for a spike in new infections to occur and should that happen here it will be devastating to our economy,” Lloyd said. In his weekly letter, the president said that “the greatest vigilance” is required from all citizens to keep the virus at bay. “A resurgence at any
scale will not just dramatically reverse our health gains. It will choke the green shoots of economic recovery that have emerged and take us back from spring to winter. To prevent a second wave of Covid-19 infections, we must observe the public health guidelines that remain in place. When we fail to wear a mask at a social gathering, when we attend crowded events, we are not only putting ourselves and others at risk. We are also putting our economic recovery in jeopardy.” Lloyd said while the Overstrand is known for its beaches, activities, restaurants and wine farms, a sudden rise in Covid-19 infections will put even more strain on already struggling businesses. “We are fortunate that most of our businesses have thus far survived and that there has been a steady influx of tourists. But should
tougher restrictions be put back into place, it is a certainty that we will have business casualties that would negatively impact our towns.” Lloyd called on all residents, tourists, and businesses to strictly adhere to the safety measures. “Everyone who enjoys an outing in our towns, whether it be for shopping, a wine tasting or eating in a restaurant, must remember that they have a personal responsibility towards everyone else. It is up to everyone to ensure that they stay safe and keep those around them safe. Especially in restaurants, people need to remember that social distancing must be practised and for the sake of the staff and the other guests, please keep those masks on when you are not eating. Our businesses are doing their level best to stick to the rules, so please respect their efforts. Continues on P3
