GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - With the entire country's move to a lighter Level 2 lockdown recently, several corners of the cultural affairs, sport and recreation sectors are preparing to return to practice soon – provided they follow strict health protocols.
Following the announcement last week, provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said, "As we navigate to and through our new normal, we will continue monitoring the situation, and remain committed to working with our partners to ensure the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on affected events and programmes will be minimised to ensure sustainability of the sector."
According to the relaxed measures, all gatherings will be allowed at sporting activities (professional and non-professional), provided it is authorised by recognised sporting bodies, and subject to restrictions.
Only the required players, officials, support staff and media personnel are allowed to attend – no spectators.
The following places are now open to the public, subject to strict adherence to all health protocols and social distancing measures:
- Fitness centres and gyms, 50 persons or less;
- Sports grounds and fields;
- Swimming pools, 50 persons or less;
- Beaches and public parks;
- Museums, galleries, libraries and archives.
Initiation practices remain prohibited, however. "For the duration of the national state of disaster, male and female initiation practices are prohibited. The National House of Traditional Leaders and provincial houses of traditional leaders must take steps to ensure that traditional leaders are aware of the content of this regulation," said Stacy McLean, Marais' spokesperson.
The re-opening of the Western Cape Library Services
The revised national lockdown regulations published on 6 July 2020 (Gazette No. 43507) allowed libraries throughout South Africa to apply to the national Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture to reopen in compliance with measures to prevent and combat the spread of Covid-19 as per 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act 2002 (Act no. 57 of 2002).
According to the national directions issued, each province is required to develop standard operating procedures and request the national minister’s permission for the reopening of public libraries.
Knysna-Plett Herald awaits confirmation from both Knysna and Bitou municipalities on when the local libraries will be opening.
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