The amended regulations, gazetted on Sunday 27 June 2021, have a number of implications for the City’s Community Services and Health Directorate.
‘As a direct result of the prohibition on gatherings, several community facilities are off-limits until further notice. These include our libraries, which have now reverted to providing a drop and collect service. No patrons are allowed inside the facilities, which means there is no browsing for books, access to the internet via our SmartCape facilities or study spaces. Patrons can however contact their local library and reserve material through the drop and collect service and can either telephone or email their local library. Patrons can access all library information via the Online Public Access catalogue OPAC on opac.capetown.gov.za . Our Recreation and Parks Department has also had to make a number of changes, to ensure compliance with the amended regulations,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Among the changes to the Department’s operations are that:
- All recreation programmes have been suspended
- Resorts remain open; however, bookings are restricted to 50% accommodation capacity per facility
- Sports fields remain open. All sporting activities approved by the Minister through the National Federations can continue - however, no gatherings or spectators are allowed
- Public parks and beaches will remain open, but gatherings are prohibited
Community Centres and halls are closed for social gatherings or activities. Any bookings made during this period will be moved or cancelled in accordance with the City’s Credit Adjustment Process.
These facilities will however continue to accommodate health-related and other essential services (e.g. SASSA, IEC, ECDs and Crèches, etc.).
All indoor swimming pools, as well as the Sea Point swimming pool will remain open, but only individual swimmers will be allowed entry.
Users are also reminded that:
- The number of patrons allowed at each open swimming pool has been reduced by 50% of the pool’s capacity. The capacity will be managed at the discretion of management, subject to the number of lifeguards on duty
- Screening will be done on entry and persons with a temperature reading of over 38◦C will be denied entry into the facility
- Patrons are required to strictly observe social distancing in and around the pool
- No showers or changing facilities will be available, and users are advised to come dressed in swimming attire
The regulations pertaining to cemetery operations and burials remain unchanged, but the public is reminded that:
- Funerals are limited to a maximum of 50 people
- Funeral services are restricted to 2 hours including 30 minutes’ maximum for burial at City cemeteries
- Only one gazebo is permitted, no larger than 2x3m as per City Cemetery by-laws
- A maximum of 10 chairs is allowed per burial at the cemetery
- No unveilings and consecrations are allowed
- No post funeral gatherings are allowed
- No visitation of graves permitted
- Always wear a face mask covering both the nose and mouth. Strictly adhere to social distancing
‘Funerals are considered potential super-spreaders, so it is important that protocols are followed at all times during such gatherings. It has been our experience, since the start of the pandemic, that this is not always the case. Currently, our cemetery operations are stable, with no noticeable increase in the number of burials or cremations. Sadly, there is a chance that this will change in the coming weeks, which means increased footfall in our cemeteries. This makes it all the more important to adhere to the protocols and keep funeral gatherings small, and within the time limits set out in the regulations,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Note to broadcasters – an audio clip is available for download:
English: https://soundcloud.com/ct-media/29062021_badroodien_level-4-update
Media enquiries: Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, City of Cape Town, Cell: 072 639 5773, Email: zahid.badroodien@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)