Zweli’s warning to bars
Cape Town 7-12-2020Popular Green Point nightclub Cubana was issued with a written warning after City environmental health inspectors found it was in contravention of Covid-19 regulations. Picture: Zweli Mhkize/Twitter
The party was over on Friday when Health Minister Zweli Mkhize gatecrashed and issued warnings to two popular bars while on an inspection visit to Cape Town.
Mkhize visited Rands in Khayelitsha and Cubaña in Green Point amid concerns of a resurgence in Covid-19 cases in the Western Cape.
He said there had “not been any improvement” following inspections.
“It’s important that we give them notice. We have given them (Cubaña) notice of non-compliance, which is the first step to enforcement and if they don’t comply, it means that they are exposing people and putting them at risk.”
He said no overcrowding should be permitted and people should not let their guard down.
Mkhize’s visit came just after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Nelson Mandela Bay a Coronavirus hotspot and implemented additional restrictions.
Mkhize was accompanied by Law Enforcement officials and Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo.
Mbombo told the Cape Argus she was concerned by non-adherence to the regulations.
“The City Law Enforcement officials conducted inspections at businesses along Bree and Long streets, where warning notices were issued for non-compliance,” she said.
“Follow-up visits will be conducted on weekends and those still found to be non-compliant will be fined.
“I call on businesses to evaluate their safety protocols to reduce the risk of infections occurring there.
“This includes ensuring that premises and venues are well ventilated, crowds are limited and hygiene protocols are in place.”
Nightlife has been targeted in recent weeks as Law Enforcement prepares for a massive deployment of officials to crack down on entertainment venues.
Mkhize is expected to meet Ramaphosa to relay the information he has gathered about the Western Cape.
The City’s Zahid Badroodien joined the Environmental Health Service on a series of Covid-19 compliance inspections in the CBD.
“Cape Town remains at alert Level 1, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, given the continued increase in transmission rates in the metro,” he says.
“My observations from the recent excursions with Environmental Health is that we need to do a lot more to ensure that, as a city, we are able to slow the transmission of Covid-19.
“As the peak of the festive season draws closer, we will see an increase in people socialising and moving around – increasing the risk of exposure.”
Cape Argus