The Eastern Cape’s provincial authorities have called on government for permission to close its beaches and parks over the festive season after the area was declared a COVID-19 hotspot.
Mvusi Sicwetsha, spokesperson for Premier Oscar Mabuyane said they are confident residents will comply, should this rule be instated.
‘We realised and identified that having activities in these places (beaches and recreational parks) poses huge risks as they are not controlled and [have the potential] to become superspreaders,’ he said to Daily Maverick.
Port Elizabeth beach promenade
However, Sicwetsha reassured the public that the province is open for tourists, and closure of these recreational areas will be to prevent large gatherings that could become superspreaders.
‘People are allowed to visit the province, all of our hotels and B&Bs and are complying and we want to extend these to other areas.’
The Eastern Cape is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 infections and all areas in the province have surpassed the hotspot threshold of 5/100,000.
The province recorded a total 16,287 active cases as of December 14, the third most in the country after the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation on Monday, December 14 at 8pm.
Picture: Pixabay
