BCMM actions taken to slow the spread of COVID-19

The Border-Kei Chamber of Business Tourism Committee has held a meeting with the Executive Mayor of BCMM to discuss the actions taken by the city to slow the spread of COVID-19.

While the pandemic has yet to be officially recorded in our province, it is growing nationally and a state of disaster has been declared.  The chances are high that it is already in the Eastern Cape and the public are being asked to adhere to the strict measures put in place by the President (national government) and local government (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality).

These safety measures will be amended as and when required so the public is requested to follow credible news outlets (preferably not social media) to maintain a good understanding of the status quo.  The BKCOB website and social media platforms will continue to keep you updated on all verified information received in this regard.

Safety Measures implemented

1. Observe national protocols with regards to sanitisation and social distancing.
2. Communications in isiXhosa will be done on Community Radio Stations as well as on applicable social media platforms.
3. High risk individuals (those who have travelled internationally or come into contact with someone who has travelled internationally/been in contact with someone who has tested positive, must self isolate.
4. Those displaying symptoms must NOT go to their doctors surgeries as this puts others at risk, rather phone the COVID-19 HOTLINE for instructions on how to proceed.  Alternatively, those displaying symptoms may contact their General Practitioners for further advice.
5. For the good of the general population, NO HOARDING of sanitary items needed by the general public.

Public Closures & Social Distancing Measures

• All public beaches are CLOSED
• All picnic spots including Ebuhlante & Nahoon River picnic spots are CLOSED
• East London Zoo & East London Aquarium are CLOSED
• All public libraries are CLOSED
• All public swimming pools are CLOSED
• Parkruns & large sporting events have been POSTPONED/CANCELLED
• Tourism Indaba Durban has been POSTPONED
• World Travel Market Africa (WTM) has been POSTPONED
• Restaurants are limited to maximum 50 people and LIQUOR CANNOT BE SOLD from 6pm – 9am (self-regulation currently in place)
• Large religious gatherings have been CANCELLED
• Conferences to be POSTPONED/CANCELLED

Business & Manufacturing

• Sanitising products must be provided at the work place
• Staff must be encouraged to follow strict sanitisation guidelines as specified in the national protocols
• Maximum 50 people in a restaurant/work area
• Staff/guests to maintain a distance of 1.5m away from each other
• Staff members showing symptoms to be tested and to self-isolate

Financial Impact on Business

This pandemic is already having a major impact on businesses and as a consequence, the staff who work in those businesses.  Government is working on measures to assist businesses and workers, but will only be able to do so if business can quantify that the impact is as a direct result of COVID-19.

At the meeting with the Executive Mayor, it was decided that there was an urgent need for a committee to be setup to help pave the way for businesses in Buffalo City to access any grants or relief made available by central government.  This committee would comprise of local government and business.

To establish the extent to which the pandemic has currently affected local business and employee’s, Border-Kei Chamber of Business has compiled the following 1 minute survey.  We request that ALL business owners in Buffalo City complete this survey so that we can start measuring the current economic impact the pandemic has had to date.  We may send out more survey’s down the line to help us understand the ongoing impact.

COVID-19 SURVEY LINK:   www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJMSVVS

Public Sector Suggestions

The Executive Mayor (Mr Pakhati) has requested that business assist local government with proactive, effective and implementable solutions to some of the many problems we expect to face in the coming months.

Please feel free to share your ‘ideas/suggestions’ through the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, to ensure that everything possible that can be done, is done.  They can be emailed to Yanga on the following email address:  communications@bkcob.co.za.

In closing, it is sobering and scary to be faced with this pandemic. In the future let it be said that the COVID-10 crisis saw the return of our humanity, our caring for others and our community spirit!

Article:  Sandy Loppnow (ShowMe East London / BKCOB Tourism Committee)