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19 AUGUST 2020
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THE VILLAGE
NEWS 2m
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Optimism over Level 2 lockdown Writer De Waal Steyn
stood at 3 692. The country’s recovery rate stands at 80%.
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On Monday the total number of active cases in the Western Cape stood at 6 336 and in the Overberg on 118.
here was a palpable sense of excitement amongst business owners and the public as the Overstrand eased into the more relaxed Level 2 lockdown restrictions that came into effect at midnight on Monday 17 August. Several local businesses owners said they expect to see a rise in turnover in the next few weeks as economic activity starts stabilising and increasing. Cape Whale Coast Tourism Manager, Frieda Lloyd said most accommodation establishments, activity operators, wineries and restaurants have decided to reopen completely. “Luckily, most wineries have a restaurant so visitors will be able to enjoy estate wines with their meals over weekends,” she said. “Activity-based tourism is becoming exceedingly popular and the Cape Whale Coast has no shortage of activities to entertain the whole family.” A new work-from-second-home trend can be seen in our towns as many holiday home owners from other parts of the country who can work from home are moving into their holiday homes instead of staying in big cities. According to Lloyd, forward bookings for accommodation and activities are showing a steady increase and are expected to climb further. The relaxation of the lockdown restrictions has come as the country sees a steady decline in new case numbers. President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that at the peak of infections just one month ago, South Africa recorded around 12 000 new cases a day. This has dropped to an average of around 5 000 a day over the past week, and on Sunday the number of new daily infections
PHOTO: Taylum Meyer
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Although the new lockdown restrictions bring a greater level of freedoms, Ramaphosa warned that it was too soon to celebrate. “We are still very much in the middle of a deadly pandemic that has claimed over 11 000 lives in South Africa. At more than half a million confirmed cases, we still have the fifth highest number of infections in the world. And there is always a chance of a resurgence of the disease,” he said. He mentioned New Zealand and several parts of Europe as examples where stricter lockdown regulations were reintroduced as a ‘second wave’ of infections were reported soon after restrictions were eased. In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said we now need to manage this risk and ensure the gains we have made thus far in containing the pandemic’s spread are not reversed. “The greatest threat to the health of the nation right now is complacency. It may be that we are now permitted to meet friends and family, to visit entertainment venues, to travel for leisure and to consume alcohol in restaurants, bars and taverns. But as the old adage goes, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. “The ‘second wave’ of infections that several other countries have experienced is an ever-present possibility for us too. Although many restrictions have been lifted, it does not mean they will not return should we experience a significant rise in infections. This pandemic is a matter of life and death. We need to adapt, and we need to be vigilant,” he said. Continues on P3
Sculptor Anton Smit recently gave the owner of Rossouw Modern Art Galleries, Jozua Rossouw, permission to ‘mask’ his artworks in the Sculpture Park at Lemm’s Corner. “Mask wearing is something that is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. We thought this was a fun way of reminding everyone to WEAR YOUR MASK!” said Jozua.
The wheel turns again… Join us at Beaumont Family Wines on Saturday 29 August 10am – 3pm for an exciting day of Milling and to celebrate the launch of our new Deli space! Our Deli will be o ering a fresh new Spring brunch & lunch menu. As always, we will have delicious co ee, baked goods, Made at Home frozen meals, farm produce and (‘Hope’fully) wine! • Our historic Mill will be running with Master Miller, Andy Selfe at the helm, producing freshly stone-ground flour.
To book a table please contact info@beaumont.co.za or call us on 028 284 9194
