Gallery
KNYSNA NEWS - Albeit with a bone of contention over the time limitations, the announcement that Level 4 of lockdown allows people out and about in the mornings brought a welcome sigh of relief to cooped up citizens all over the country.
In Knysna, runners, cyclists, walkers and even skateboarders took to the streets to take full advantage of the new 06:00 to 09:00 exercise slot, but there were also many residents who could simply not wait to just get out for a breath of fresh air after six weeks of isolation as witnessed during the first weekend of Level 4, when some were out wearing jeans or even still in their pyjamas as they sought to get out of the house.
Photo gallery: Knysna residents enjoy exercise slot during lockdown
On Knysna's main road (N2) heading out towards Sedgefield – a busy running, walking, and cycling route on any normal pre-corona day – many lined the pavement along the estuary to enjoy their exercise. But, thanks to the length of the walkway available as well as the pavement on the other side of the road, the many people didn't lead to overcrowding of the space available.
The same could not be said for Leisure Isle, though, where droves of residents from the eastern areas flocked for their exercise. This led to the narrow roads around the island (Links, Woodbourne, Cearn and Bayswater drives) becoming somewhat overcrowded. According to some island residents, it was "too busy" on the first day, but the situation improved by the second and third days.
When Knysna-Plett Herald invited readers via Facebook to share their experiences, this is how they responded:
"So, so happy to be out for 3hrs this morning. One hour walk and then a lovely cycle around Leisure Isle. My dog is over the moon, and my little boy a happy little chap. Pity the hours are not spread out more to avoid crowds." – Paula Draper
"Leisure Isle was quite busy but so beautiful to see everyone so happy." – Merle Florence
"It was manic with people, bikes, dogs, runners, walkers and cars. But good to walk the dog who had cabin fever of note. Lovely to be out again." – Susan Janice Kay
"It was wonderful to see the beach, even if it was at a distance! And Toffee, our Maltese poodle... smiled at every person, sniffed every blade of grass and was so excited he could hardly contain himself! Happiness!" – Chantel Green
"Was so awesome to see all the people out this morning... I had to avoid many people hogging the road a bit much, but I did it with a smile because I could see the smile on all those faces... As a motorist, I'd like to appeal to all other motorists during this time, to please watch out for those in the road." – Clint Vorster
"Was awesome to walk around Thesen Island again... Many cyclers around." – Ester Beukes
Runners enjoyed more space and freedom next to the estuary than in other parts of town.
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Group Editors (publications and online platforms) is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
'We bring you the latest Knysna, Garden Route news'
