The Western Cape Government has been discussing implementing localised restrictions in a bid to stifle a resurgence in some areas.

The Garden Route has already stopped any planned public events in the region.

As infections continue to rise in the province, families are reconsidering their options for the holidays. 

Some have simply decided not to take a chance by cancelling trips to other provinces. 

“We weren’t gonna expose ourselves to the second wave of the Covid-19," said Rochelle Koeberg.

"I’m extremely worried about it for my children because they are used to going to the beach, going to restaurants, having fun during December. I don’t know what I’m gonna do with them if we’re not able to do that.”

Some holiday resorts are noticing a drop in bookings, a far cry from the jam-packed season they usually experience this time of the year. 

Others are hoping the tourism industry won’t be further harmed by any of government’s plans to curb rising infections. 

SA Tourism and the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa say they’re hopeful government leaders will find a balance between protecting lives and livelihoods, as the sector may not be able to recover from another hard lockdown. 

The Citizen reports as of Wednesday, the Western Cape had recorded 10,442 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 132,642 confirmed cases. There have been 117,501 recoveries in the province.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has reiterated he is against a blanket lockdown, and is expected to announce the details of “specific” interventions to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the province on Thursday.

“The Western Cape has seen a resurgence of Covid-19 in recent weeks and the increase in cases must be carefully monitored and managed. The Western Cape does not, however, support a lockdown being imposed on the province.

“We believe that local, targeted interventions based on science and common sense will not only help to flatten the curve of infection but will also protect businesses and the economy from the negative impact of a lockdown,” Winde said in his daily statement on Wednesday.

“The Western Cape, for its part, will be working on specific and localised interventions aimed at reducing the infection rate,” he added.

“The province has for the duration of this pandemic, worked to introduce smart, innovative ways to reduce risk and infection. We will make further announcements during tomorrow’s digicon on interventions which are focused on behaviour change and stronger enforcement.

Fatigue

“I understand that Covid-19 fatigue has set in, and at this time of year, residents want to relax and enjoy everything that this province has to offer. However, in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones until a vaccine becomes widely available, we must continue to implement simple behavioural steps.”

Due to a spike in Covid-19 numbers, some Garden Route municipalities are cancelling large events and closing public venues, such as town halls and sporting grounds, ahead of an influx of holidaymakers.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said due to the risks of the virus spreading at large gatherings, mass public gatherings would be cancelled in some areas of the province until the resurgence was under control.

“This is primarily with regards to events where organisers need to apply for permits. These permits will not be granted on the Garden Route, while some parts of the Central Karoo have already made public facilities unavailable for events,” he added.

On Wednesday, Winde said the provincial government was waiting for further announcements from President Cyril Ramaphosa on potential national interventions, but was working on localised interventions in the meantime.

eNCA