Dan Plato, Mayor of Cape Town, welcomed the extraordinary announcements from President Cyril Ramaphosa of the country’s going into lockdown.
This major measure, effective from Friday 27 March until Wednesday 17 April, is intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“I want to call on our residents please to remain calm,” Plato urged, “for the President has made it clear that food stores and medical services will remain open during the lockdown.”
Meetings involving the City, national and provincial government, Disaster Risk Management teams and relevant stakeholders are taking place to ensure the municipality is ready to implement whatever is required to protect residents and assist them in limiting the spread. Plato stated there is much work to be done in the coming days, but the agricultural and retail sectors have already assured the public there is sufficient food supply.
He pleaded to the Mother City’s residents: “When going to buy food, please do not take the whole family, rather go individually for the family, and take the necessary precautions as far as possible.” Law enforcement and emergency services staff will continue working and ensuring the safety of communities. “Please stay home, look after one another, and check official government channels for regular updates,” the Mayor said.
