After several weeks of not being allowed to trade, I am very pleased for the thousands of Capetonians who will soon be able to return to work in the hospitality industry.
We now need urgent clarity from the national government on when these industries will be allowed to trade so that they can start the necessary preparation to safely open their businesses.
The hospitability industry is a key contributor to the Cape Town economy, employing thousands of locals. Many will have already lost job opportunities in this sector and will be desperate to get back to work. The City has put a number of measures in place to support local businesses during these tough times, and national government needs to give urgent clarity so that they can once again safely open their doors and begin to trade in line with the required regulations.
In his address to the nation last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that restrictions on a number of sectors would be eased, and these included restaurants for sit down meals, accredited accommodation, conference facilities, cinemas, theatres, and casinos.
The President also gave the green light (dates still to be confirmed), for beauty services and hair dressers to open their doors.
Non-contact sports, including golf, tennis and cricket, among others that still need to be clarified by the national government, will also be allowed. Unfortunately, we have yet to hear any news on the opening of beaches and parks, spaces which, by their very nature, encourage social distancing.
All of the above is of course subject to strict safety and hygiene protocols, taking into account the required social distancing measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
We know that South Africa has yet to reach the peak of the coronavirus spread, which means all of us need to continue being as vigilant as we can, by washing our hands regularly, using hand sanitiser, avoiding the touching of surfaces outside your home wherever possible, wearing a face mask and maintaining social distancing. The City has done much to support our residents during these tough times, and it is up to all of us to play our part so we can limit the spread of the coronavirus.