Mayor Dan Plato has welcomed the lockdown announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday March 23.
“These are unprecedented times but the City of Cape Town is in full support of the 21-day lockdown announced by the president in order to curb the spread of Covid-19.”
Mr Plato said all spheres of government will be meeting with national, provincial, local, disaster risk management teams and all relevant stakeholders to implement whatever is required to protect residents from the virus and assist them to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Mr Plato has called on residents to remain calm as the president has made it clear that food stores and medical services will remain open during the lockdown.
“There is much work to be done in the coming days but the agricultural and retail sectors have already assured the public that there is sufficient food supply. “When going to buy food, please do not take the whole family with you, rather go as an individual for the family and take the necessary precautions as far as possible,” he said.
Law enforcement and emergency services staff will continue working and ensure the safety of communities.
Mr Plato appealed to residents to stay home.
“Look after one another, and check official government channels for regular updates.
“We will update our website, Twitter, and Facebook daily, and will continue to communicate with the public.
“Let’s work together to limit the spread of the coronavirus, and flatten the curve,” he said.
Pensioners will be able to access their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants by Tuesday March 31.
This is a special concession for them in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Monday March 23 Mr Ramaphosa put the country on lockdown, except for individuals who need medical care, food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant.
“To alleviate congestion at payment points, old age pensions and disability grants will be
available for collection from Monday March 30 and Tuesday March 31, while other categories of grants will be available for collection from Wednesday April 1,” he said.
All channels for access will remain open, including automated machines (ATMs), retail point of sale terminals, the post office and cash pay points.