Cape Town Executive Mayor Dan Plato noted the move to adjusted Alert level 4 of the national lockdown for 14 days, as a necessary measure to protect lives. However, Mayor Plato called for national government to urgently increase procurement and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine so that other age groups can be included as soon as possible. An expanded national vaccination rollout would bring an end to the need for further lockdowns that impact livelihoods.
It is vital that we adhere to the regulations to enable a swift move out of Alert level 4.
‘We acknowledge the need for stricter regulations to curb the spread of new infections in the third wave of Covid-19 to save lives. However, it must be emphasized that a more efficient vaccination rollout is needed as a proper solution to the damaging effects of lockdowns on the economy. There have been vaccination registration drives across the metro to boost numbers of those getting the jab to move closer to population immunity. Clinics around the City and elsewhere have additional capacity to cope if and when national government includes other age groups for vaccination. We are also opening mass vaccination sites jointly with the Western Cape government which further boosts the ability to vaccinate residents, more quickly.
‘The need for harsher lockdowns must be balanced between the protection of lives and livelihoods. Businesses have been working towards a recovery and the implementation of more severe lockdowns is negatively impacting their ability to survive and adapt. A broader vaccination rollout strategy is the answer to ensuring businesses can continue to operate and sustain jobs,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
National government this past week opened the call to residents over the age of 50 following a request by the provincial government for a smoother transition to the next group of vaccinations, which previously covered those over the age of 60 in phase 2.
We welcome this development, but it is critical that the registration is expanded to cover all age groups as soon as possible to save lives and livelihoods.
The regulations under level 4 include:
- Curfew in place between 21H00 until 04H00 daily.
- Non-essential establishments must close at 8pm
- Inter-provincial travel in and out of Gauteng for leisure is prohibited, except for essential and business purposes
- Alcohol sales are banned
- Restaurants are limited to takeaways and deliveries
- All gatherings banned except for funerals, which are capped at 50 people in a socially-distanced setting
- Public spaces such as beaches will remain open but no gatherings allowed
- Wearing a mask in public spaces remains compulsory under national lockdown regulations
Source: City Of Cape Town