Staff Reporter
Mangaung Metro Municipality says most of its public facilities which include community halls and recreational centres will not be open during the festive period as the city puts measures to contain the spread of the resurgent coronavirus.
Municipal spokesperson Qondile Khedama said in a statement while the city has not been listed as one of the hotspots for the disease in the country, it was taking measures to ensure the situation in the Free State capital remains under control.
“Mangaung Metro will not be allowing the use of its facilities, particularly for social or religious gatherings, unlike previous years during this period,” said Khedama in the statement.
He said initiation schools will not be allowed within the municipality during the festive season as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus now said to be in a second wave in the country.
“Parents are advised not to be coerced into taking their children to illegal initiation schools. If there is use of force, parents are advised to report such cases to the South African Police Service,” he said.
All initiation schools in the city will remain suspended until further notice.
The municipality reminded people that the virus has not eased and that they should continue following the set health and safety protocols.
“Residents and businesses must act responsibly to ensure that no ‘COVID super-spreader event’ erupts,” Khedama warned.
“Businesses like taverns, bars, club . . . can easily lose their good reputation and such an incident might lead to the closing of such businesses.”
In terms of the Alert Level 1 disaster regulations, all businesses have the responsibility to ensure that:
- No person enters a premises without a face mask
- Everyone entering must be sanitised
- Ensure social distancing in the venue/area
If there is non-adherence by patrons/clients, the owner or person in charge will be held liable.
The movement of people who do not provide essential services is not allowed from 00:00 till 04:00.
Attendance of funerals and events:
- Only 100 persons allowed to attend a funeral
- All indoor venues may allow 50 percent of venue capacity but to a maximum of 250 persons
- Outdoor venues are restricted to 50 percent of venue capacity with a maximum of 500 persons
- Masks must be worn at all times and a 1.5-metre distance must be observed
- All post-funeral gatherings are prohibited