19/03/2020
COUNCILLOR MICHAEL SUN
DA COJ SHADOW MMC PUBLIC SAFETY
HOW THE RESIDENTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW REGULATIONS BY THE MINISTER OF COGTA
19 March 2020
The regulations published on 18 March 2020 have far reaching consequences for the ordinary residents and businesses of Johannesburg. It is important for Joburg residents to understand how these new regulations will impact on their lives and not be on the wrong side of the law.
The Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg believes that more than ever before, political parties must put politics down and stand in solidarity with every single person in the country to fight and overcome this international crisis.
Below are some of the important aspects of the regulations that residents and businesses need to take into account:
1. SAPS, SANDF and peace officers are empowered to disperse any gathering of more than 100 people, these enforcement officers can, subject to the Criminal Procedures Act, arrest any persons refusing to disperse.
2. Assembly of more than 50 people where liquor is sold and consumed is prohibited.
3. If any person is medically confirmed or suspected as having contracted COVID-19 and refused to be subjected to the necessary medical procedure, the enforcement officer has the power to isolate or quarantine that person for a period of 48 hours, pending a warrant to be issued by the magistrate to have such person to medical examination.
4. All on-consumption premises selling liquor, including taverns, restaurants and clubs, must be closed with immediate effect, or must accommodate no more than 50 person any given time provided the premises adheres to all directions in respect of hygienic conditions and limitation of exposure of COVID-19.
5. Business hours of ALL on-consumption premises complying with COVID-19 hygienic directions and conditions and not having more than 50 persons at any given time are restricted, these premises are to be closed;
5.1 between 18:00 and 9:00 the next morning on weekdays and Saturdays; and
5.2 from 13:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
All off-consumption premises selling liquor must be closed -
5.3 between 18:00 and 9:00 the next morning on weekdays and Saturdays; and
5.4 from 13:00 on Sunday and public holidays.
6. Government may issue directives to protect consumers from excessive, unfair, unreasonable or unjust pricing of goods and services, also to maintain security and availability of the supply of goods and services during this period of state disaster.
7. It is an offence to;
7.1 convene a gathering of more than 50 people where liquor is sold and consumed;
7.2 hinders or obstructs the work of an enforcement officer;
7.3 intentionally misrepresent oneself or others of being infected with COVID-19;
7.4 publish fake news on any medium about COVID-19 or infection status of others or
steps the government is taking to address COVID-19.
Persons found guilty may be convicted to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.
