DURBAN -
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala plans to intensify the lockdown regulations particularly in the eThekwini region. According to reports, the region has been declared the epicenter of the virus in the province.
An increase in roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and movement checks of persons at high commuter areas are some of the ways in which the government plans to impose these regulations.
In a media briefing on Sunday, Zikalala said that due to the fact that eThekwini has been the epicenter for the virus in KZN, the provincial command council has decided to take the next step in imposing stricter regulations.
"We have issued a directive to our law enforcement authorities to apply the law in its strictest form, and make sure that there are no compromises. We want them to make sure that the violation of the lock-down by people who are supposed to be at home is met with the concomitant punishment as set out by the law,” said Zikalala.
Zikalala also mentioned that a greater effort will be made in door-to-door screening, setting up testing booths at high movement areas such as malls and taxi ranks. There will also be a sanitisation programme at informal settlements.
He said there will be a collective effort by the South African Police Service, South African Defence Force, Metro Police and the Department of Health. The mass screening will also see health care officials being escorted by escort teams.
"We wish to once again plead with our people to stay at home, and respect the law. This is a health emergency. We are in disaster mode. It is Not business as usual. It’s a mantra that we must recite every morning, if that’s what it takes," said Zikalala.
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