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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - As we are nearing the 2020 festive season, Eden Cluster Commander Maj-Gen Oswald Reddy is concerned for the well-being of the public and has a special message regarding Covid-19 and the holidays.
He says that the Southern Cape is a popular tourist destination that annually attracts visitors, not only from across the country, but from across the world. For this reason local police will be out in full force.
"The Southern Cape is a popular tourist destination and we want to encourage people to come down here. We as the police in the area will therefore ensure that we implement our festive season plans as we gear up to receive visitors," he says.
These plans include increased visibility at hotspots like shopping malls, beaches, popular tourist destinations and within the communities, increased roadblocks, raids of illegal liquor outlets and increased patrols.
"Liquor plays a major role in many of the crimes. We are calling on communities to consume alcohol responsibly so as not to become victims during the festive season," he says.
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Covid concerns
One of Reddy's biggest concerns regarding the upcoming holiday season is the spike in Covid cases in the Southern Cape, especially George.
"George has become a hotspot and we need to make sure we comply with the various provisions and protocols in place. Wear masks at all times, wash hands, take temperatures, adhere to social distancing and ensure your own safety," says Reddy.
He stresses that a curfew is still in place from 00:00 until 04:00. Nightclubs will also remain closed.
"One of our biggest concerns is gatherings. People congregating without social distancing or masks. This will be dealt with severely and there will be consequences. Please realise that we are dealing with a pandemic."
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