City appeals for responsible New Year’s celebrations
30 December 2020
The combination of a massive COVID-19 resurgence and stricter lockdown regulations are cause for far greater vigilance this year.
The City of Cape Town will activate maximum resources to help the public see in the new year in a safe and responsible manner.
Cape Town will mark the arrival of a new year against the backdrop of the adjusted Level 3 lockdown announced by the president earlier this week.
This means a 21:00 curfew, a ban on the sale and transportation of alcohol, the closure of beaches and many other public recreational facilities, no social gatherings and an impassioned plea to observe health and safety protocols to help flatten the curve of a massive resurgence in COVID-19 cases and fatalities.
‘We have had to shelve many of our traditions this year, for our own safety and that of our loved ones. It is a small price to pay when one considers the devastation that the virus has wrought on so many families in our country. I appeal to our residents and visitors to continue doing their bit to mitigate the risk of infection and transmission during this crucial period. Together we can flatten the curve, reduce the immense pressure on our health system and ensure the path to recovery for our city and our country,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The City’s festive season operational plans remain in place, although these have been amended in line with the adjusted alert level.
The public is reminded to adhere to the regulations, as well as the health and safety protocols and to keep their New Year’s celebrations low key.
The City’s enforcement services will do patrols and vehicle checkpoints in association with the South African Police Service to ensure compliance with the curfew and the prescribed closing times for establishments.
‘This is a difficult time for all concerned, so the approach is to help the public understand the amended regulations and comply with these. Where continued non-compliance occurs, fines will be issued. However, we cannot turn a blind eye to transgressions like drunk driving or reckless and negligent driving or behaviour. While there is a prohibition on the sale and transportation of alcohol, it is naïve to think that there is no alcohol being consumed anywhere. So our appeal is to stay off the roads, stay away from crowds and to drink responsibly, or risk starting the new year in a jail cell,’ added Alderman Smith.
Residents are reminded that emergency calls can be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Non-compliance to COVID-19 regulations can be reported on 021 444 3582.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
