KNYSNA NEWS - In a statement issued by Knysna Municipality this afternoon (29 June), it was confirmed that there will be no refuse collection whatsoever in Knysna for the coming week after an employee passed away this weekend.

“Knysna Municipality is sad to have learnt of the passing away of one of the refuse collection staff members over the weekend. Even though there is no confirmation, there is a possibility that the cause of death was Covid-19 related.

"Therefore, in the interest of the safety of our community members and the rest of the staff members who were in contact with the deceased we have decided to suspend refuse collection for this week (Monday 29 June – Sunday 5 July) as we would not like to contribute towards the spread of the virus,” said Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Louis Scheepers.

The relevant precautionary measures have been put in place as is standard practice. Knysna refuse collection section has been closed, co-workers are in self-quarantine and will be screened and tested if so required; refuse trucks and buildings will be disinfected.

The public is urged to please note that no refuse will be collected for the rest of the week in the Knysna area, however business refuse collection in Knysna will be collected as normal. 

"Please do not put your black bags, wheelie bins, blue bags and recycle bags out for the rest of this week as they will NOT be collected," Scheepers urged.

"Please do not put your black bags, wheelie bins, blue bags and recycle bags out for the rest of this week as they will NOT be collected," Scheepers urged.

All other areas i.e. Sedgefield, Buffalo Bay, Karatara and Rheenendal will also continue as per the usual. The Waste Transfer Station will be open from 7:30 to 13:00.

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