1 April 2020
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www.thevillagenews.co.za
Stick to the rules and regulations Writer De Waal Steyn
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f we stick to the path we have to take, we will overcome the difficulties posed by the lockdown and the COVID-19 epidemic. These were the words of Pres Cyril Ramaphosa in his address to the nation on Monday evening 30 March. Ramaphosa was speaking to the nation on the eve of what he called a new phase in the fight against the novel Coronavirus. He announced that in the coming days, 10 000 health workers will start a process of screening, testing and tracing those who have been in contact with the virus.
He reiterated that those who do not yet comply with the rules and regulations of the lockdown are placing themselves and others at risk. The basics of the lockdown are:
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You are allowed to: • Collect social grants • Buy food • Seek medical attention • Visit a pharmacy for medicine • Attend gatherings of max 50 people for a funeral • Access public transportation for essential services
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“Health workers will visit homes in cities and villages to screen people for possible infection. Those with low-grade symptoms will be asked to isolate at home or be placed in a government isolation facility. Those with serious symptoms will be admitted to hospital,” he said.
You are prohibited from: • Jogging/walking in public. Where people live in a complex it is up to the management to ensure that people who are outside their homes practice social distancing • Walking your dog in public. You may also not take your dog for a ride in the car • Buying alcohol • Moving between provinces and districts
The President added that the economic downgrade of the country’s investment status will not impede the government’s spending in the fight against the deadly virus.
People are also prohibited from spreading fake news. This means statements made with the intention to deceive and include the following:
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Disinformation: information that is false and deliberately created to harm a person, social group, organisation or country for the purpose of influencing public opinion or obscuring the truth. Misinformation: information that is false but not created to cause harm or mislead readers. Mal-information: the deliberate publication of private information for personal or private interest, as well as the deliberate manipulation of genuine content.
Fake news can be reported at fakenewsalert@ dtps.gov.za or WhatsApp 067 966 4015. A link to where the post, article or document is located must be included. This direction came into effect on 26 March 2020 and will remain in effect for the duration of the COVD-19 disaster period. The issue on the sale of cigarettes had not been resolved at the time of going to press. After a ban on the sale of cigarettes was announced, several districts indicated that they would allow it in order to prevent the creation of black-market sales. Masizole Mnqasela, speaker of the Western Cape Government and Member of the Pro-
vincial Parliament for the Overberg, said in a statement on Sunday that the sale of cigarettes will be allowed. It was expected that the government would make an announcement regarding the issue. According to Brig Donovan Heilbron, SAPS Cluster Commander for the Overberg, residents who do not have a perimeter fence at the front of their gardens are allowed in their garden but may not go onto the pavement. He also stated that employers are responsible for the transport of essential workers to and from their places of work, it is against the law for families or friends to transport workers. If you’re driving a private car and your car can carry 5 people (including the driver), only 3 people will be allowed in the car (the driver and 2 passengers). Buses and taxis can only carry 50% of their licensed capacity. Police Minister Bheki Cele has warned that any person who contravenes the regulations of the nationwide lockdown will be guilty of a criminal offence and will be liable for a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both.
Donations – making a crucial difference S
PEARLY BEACH: • Local Fruit & Vegetable Store
ince the nation-wide lockdown took effect on 27 27March April the Overberg community has rallied around to ensure that those less fortunate are taken care of. In a gesture of compassion several Facebook and WhatsApp groups have been started to help lessen the load of those who cannot afford to buy food, or do not have adequate shelter.
HANGKLIP: • Rooiels Village Shop • Mini Mart Pringle Bay • Village Deli Pringle Bay • Centre Shop Betty's Bay • Penguin Place Betty's Bay
These groups have been inundated with offers to assist and according to organisers, donations and help are flooding in.
KLEINMOND: • Spar • OK Mini Mark or any other local food store
Grant Cohen, ward councillor for Kleinmond, said they are working closely with local NGOs and soup kitchens. “The Kleinmond community is banding together and making a difference in the lives of not only people, but animals too. Apart from donations of food and toiletries for the less fortunate we have also been able to source a few hundred kilograms of dog food to ensure that man’s best friend does not go hungry.” According to Cohen, the number of children playing in the streets presents a big problem. “We decided to find a way to encourage them to stay at home, so we have had our first puzzle and toy drive to collect toys that children can play with indoors together with their parents.” Jean Orban, councillor for Onrus, said several Hermanus initiatives were well on their way and a constant stream of donations is being received. “We are working with NGOs such as Relieve Life and the Red Cross to assist with the repackaging of donations.” Hermanus resident, Natalie Munro who jumped at the chance to assist with the buying of various items, said she was devoting her energy to this cause because she was pas-
The trolleys filled with food and essentials bought by Hermanus resident Natalie Munro with the money she received from friends and family. PHOTO: Natalie Munro sionate about sharing love and kindness. “No matter how small the contribution, it all adds to the greater good which, in the end, makes a difference in the lives of people. I woke up on Monday morning and just knew I had to do something. I collected money from friends and family and was able to buy four trolleys worth of supplies. This led to more of my friends contacting me and I have received donations from as far afield as Cape Town,” she said. Overstrand Mayor Dudley Coetzee extended his gratitude to everyone who is doing their utmost to flatten the curve – especially those who are working to keep essential services operating. “Now more than ever before, we are all called upon to lead by example. Each of us has a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Let's keep a safe distance from others and practise good hygiene by washing
our hands regularly.” Please consider contributing to this drive when you go shopping. The following food stores have agreed to make donation trolleys available as drop-off points. You can simply drop your donation into the marked trolleys: HERMANUS: • OK Onrus • OK Voëlklip • Checkers Whale Coast Mall • Checkers Hermanus CBD • Food Lover's Market Whale Coast Mall
The following essentials are required: FOOD: • 5kg – Maize Meal • 2kg – Rice • 2kg – Samp • 2kg – Beans • Canned Foods (specifically tomato & onion mix / braai relish / baked beans / pilchards) TOILETRIES: • Toilet paper • Toothpaste • Bar of soap • Packet of sanitary towels • Babies’ nappies CLEANSING PRODUCTS: • Antibacterial cleaning products • Washing powder • Gloves • Hand wash • Any other non-perishable food products are welcome, as long as they are sealed in their original packaging.
STANFORD: • OK Mini-Mark
The distribution of these goods will be conducted by the Overstrand Municipality's Disaster Management Unit.
GANSBAAI: • Spar • OK Foods
For more information, you can contact Yulanda Scholtz on 082 675 7219. – De Waal Steyn
