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www.thevillagenews.co.za
25 November 2020
Black Friday: Appeal to maintain Covid-19 safety protocols T he Western Cape Government called on all businesses and shoppers to adhere to strict Covid-19 safety protocols during ‘Black Friday’ this week. “Black Friday sales traditionally mark the start of the festive spending season, and this year will be an opportunity for businesses to recover revenue lost during the Covid-19 restrictions, however we appeal to retail businesses to please implement the necessary health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 and ensure that their staff and customers are as safe as possible,”
the government said in a press release.
According to the release in support of retailers and other businesses, the Department of Economic Development will be meeting with major retailers and the property management companies for major shopping centres to discuss risk management strategies, as well as the consequences of non-compliance with the Covid-19 safety measures. The engagement will include relevant law enforcement agencies who will assist to manage Covid-19 safety compliance. “We are appealing to both retailers
Safe hiking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve With its 60 km of inter-linked trails, Fernkloof is a delight for avid hikers and nature lovers. It is one of our town’s top attractions and many visitors are expected over the holiday season. To ensure the safety of all visitors, Tourism Safety Monitors are available to accompany hikers in the nature reserve on a complimentary basis during weekdays between 08:00 – 16:00. Please make a reservation to walk with one of these guides by emailing infomanager@hermanus. co.za or capewhalecoast@overstrand. gov.za. The summer gate opening times for Fernkloof are from 06:00 – 19:00 and all visitors must please ensure that they keep to these times. Safety tips: • Program emergency numbers in your cellphone before your hike • Don’t hike alone • Allow yourself enough time • Inform someone of your route and what time you’re expected back • Wear a hat or cap and sun block in summer. Weather changes rapidly and unexpectedly • Stick to well-used contour paths
and shoppers to play their part in stopping the spread of Covid-19 during Black Friday.” Specifically, retail stores and other businesses should consider the following: • Reducing congestion at shops and malls: Run as many promotions online as possible, stay open for longer hours and consider running specials over a longer period; • Managing customers inside stores and malls: Limit the number of people in-store to ensure social distancing, ensure correct wearing of masks and that sanitiser is available;
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Managing store entry: Maintain strict screening protocols at the store entrance and stagger entry into the store; Managing congestion at pay points: Be vigilant of congestion and take measures to ensure social distancing. Reduce congestion by minimising use of cash. Ensure that card payment machines are regularly sanitised; Reducing infection among staff: Ensure that more frequent sanitising of frequently touched items/ surfaces takes place, for example at goods receiving, within the stores,
at till points and so on. Ensure health measures are maintained in communal staff areas such as canteens and smoke break areas. Ensure staff are informed and have the resources to enforce health protocols in store.
“Supporting retail sales during this time is important to our economic recovery in the Western Cape, but both customers and businesses need to anticipate any potential Covid-19 health risks that may occur in order to ensure that we keep safe and move forward,” according to the statement.
Muni gears up for summer With the summer holiday almost within sight, Overstrand Municipality is preparing to ensure holiday makers can look forward to a safe and clean environment when they visit our beaches and public amenities. We invite everyone who lives, works and plays here to have a fun-filled summer holiday season in a responsible manner. Please do not drink and drive, do not drink and swim, and abide by traffic rules and blue flag beach rules. Continue to wear your masks and remember to wash your hands frequently.
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Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay Take a fully-charged cellphone A walking stick makes for an easier hike. These are available at the visitor centre on loan
Here's a reminder of the contact numbers you might need for the various emergency services: • 028 312 2400 in case of a fire, flood or medical emergency • 028 313 8980 for security and safety issues • 028 313 8000 for general enquiries / accounts • 028 313 8111 for emergencies relating to basic services / municipal infrastructure • 028 313 8996 law enforcement day-to-day complaints
We are all eager to get back to our pre-Covid lives. Managing the risks can help us get there faster.
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Think about space: If someone stands too close, kindly and politely ask them to step back. Think about ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation is an effective
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way to prevent the spread of Covid-19 whilst enjoying the summer breeze. Keep all available windows open. Think about the smart choice: Inviting people over? Keep your gathering small and outdoors.
Thembisa Elvit, Bulelani Shabangu, Eltonio Arnolds and William Uys busy painting and fixing the ablution blocks and buildings at Hawston beach. PHOTO: Supplied
Please make safe choices. GRAPE EXPECTATIONS! Donald Bett took a drive up the Hemelen-Aarde Valley last week and says he could not resist taking some photos of the amazing scenery. This panoramic shot with the impressive Babylonstoren Mountain in the background was taken from the entrance to Domaine des Dieux, on top of a hill overlooking the vineyards. “The vines are looking so healthy that a good harvest should be on the cards early next year!” he says. PHOTO: Donald Bett
