Cape Town - Interesting Articles

[Hooked]

Hout Bay Pick n Pay temporarily closed
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/hout-bay-pick-n-pay-temporarily-closed
24 April 2020

"Pick n Pay in Hout Bay has temporarily closed its doors, as it has emerged that an employee there tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our Hout Bay store is temporarily closed after a staff member tested positive for Coronavirus. We moved swiftly to trace his close contacts and they are at home in self-quarantine. As a precaution, we have arranged for all staff members to be screened and they will return to work with the guidance of a health practitioner,” Pick n Pay said in a statement.

“A specialised cleaning team is deep cleaning and sanitizing the entire store and it will reopen once this has been completed. Support staff will assist the store until all staff have returned to work. We have informed the Department of Health. ” ...

 

[Hooked]

Winde has authority to increase lockdown level in the Cape
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/winde-has-authority-to-increase-lockdown-level-in-the-cape
24 April 2020

"... In an interview with Cape Talk, Premier Alan Winde confirmed that he has the authority to tighten lockdown regulations in the Western Cape. However, he may only intensify, not ease restrictions.

“Premiers and the Health Department have now got the power to change the levels upwards. Not downwards, but upwards,” said Winde. “If the president announces level 3, we could still be on level 4 in the city or we could even push it to level 5 if we see that the infection rate is not coming down and we’re not managing it”

“In August, we’re getting to our peak and we’ve got huge risks in the health system at that peak. If we see that we are now increasing too fast and are actually going to go way above it, we’re going to have to move to level 5.”

Winde also notes that stricter regulations can be applied to certain sectors within the province if they do not follow the appropriate health and safety protocols."

 

[Hooked]

Ninety-nine staff at Cape Town factory contract COVID-19
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/ninety-nine-staff-at-cape-town-factory-contract-covid-19
25 April 2020

Ninety-nine employees of a Cape Town factory have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, the factory has been closed.

As reported by TimesLIVE, this number was confirmed by pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) on Saturday, April 25, with the cases breaking out at its Epping factory. Production and operations have been suspended until safety measures are improved.

“As a result of proactive testing of our employees, we unfortunately now have 99 staff who have been diagnosed with Covid-19,” GSK’s human resources manager said. “We are committed to supporting these staff currently who are in isolation, including providing essential food and medical supplies as well as full pay. In this way, we will continue producing essential consumer health products for SA while keeping our own people safe.”

According to the manager, the Department of Labour has approved the factory’s reopening.

“Our decision when to open the site is dependent on a number of factors, most importantly to ensure that we feel comfortable that we are offering the best possible protection and support to our employees, whilst working with our shop stewards to ensure this,” the manager added. “We have further reinforced measures that were already in place such as the provision of personal protective equipment, hand sanitiser, driving staff to and from work, and social-distance safe practice. We have also deep cleaned the entire factory, and will continue to do so regularly.”

“The health of all our employees is our priority. We are working on reopening the site whilst ensuring the health and safety of our team. We continue to work with our global specialists and our union representatives to ensure we are doing everything we can, and will announce our plan to reopen in due course.”

The Department of Labour, however, stipulated that GSK was found to be in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The “They did not have a risk assessment in place that spoke to Covid-19 regulations, they did not have adequate sanitising, they also did not have adequate personal protective equipment for staff,” it said.

On Tuesday, Labour Department spokesperson Candice van Reenen said a prohibition notice had been issued because GSK had been “found to be in contravention of the occupational health and safety act”.

She added: “They did not have a risk assessment in place that spoke to Covid-19 regulations, they did not have adequate sanitising, they also did not have adequate personal protective equipment for staff.”

Van Reenen said the company had been instructed to keep paying salaries for as long as the factory was closed.

 

[Hooked]

Khayelitsha animal clinic staff in need of councelling after robbery
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/kh...ic-staff-in-need-of-councelling-after-robbery
25 April 2020

"The SA Mast Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha is pleading for Xhosa-speaking councellors to support staff after a violent armed robbery on Friday, April 24. Three of the five robbers had firearms and held some of the clinic personnel at gunpoint, demanding cash, cell phones and laptops.

“One of the young robbers almost shot one of my staff because he didn’t have any money to give them,” said Clinic founder Tamsin Nel. “He stood on his chest, pointing a gun at his head. Another staff member offered up the R30 that he had in his pocket.”

The incident has left the staff severely traumatised. The clinic also needs new phones and laptops to be able to continue their work.

The clinic operates the largest area specific mass animal sterilisation campaign in Africa, according to their website. “This, along with the provision of an animal ambulance, hospital for the sick and injured, massive kennel building and distribution programme (almost 5000 to date) and other community empowerment initiatives where it is most needed, is our contribution to the compassionate development and well-being of our Rainbow Nation,” the clinic states.

The clinic is already facing a tough financial situation as many donors impacted by COVID-19 were forced to pull out and without funding, the organisation might have to close its doors.

Anyone who is able to help in any way can email clinic@samast.co.za or visit their website here for more information.

Source: Cape Talk

 

[Hooked]

Essential services roll-out in convoy to show appreciation
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/essential-services-roll-out-in-convoy-to-show-appreciation
26 April 2020

Members of security and essential services in the Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Strand areas drove around in convoy on the evening of April 25 to show their appreciation to the communities for their support and receive appreciation in return.

Organiser Wayne Heylen, rapid response unit manager at the Vetus Schola group, said the convoy was made up of 30 to 40 vehicles which stretched out over 1km long as part of the COVID-19 essential services appreciation patrol.

Members of the Vetus Schola, Vetus Schola Rapid Response Unit, Vetus Schola Strike Team, Somerset West SAPS, GB Sec, GB Med, GB Sec Special Ops, HCW, Tracker, Traffic, ER24, FADT, AM, Secure Rite & Gordons Bay SAPS all participated.

Heylen explained that the patrol was intended to show visibility and thank the communities for adhering to lockdown rules and staying inside. He also said it gave those in Strand, Somerset West and Gordons Bay the opportunity to thank the essential service security and safety workers for their efforts.

“I want to say thanks again to the community for their appreciation for coming out and shouting, waving, flashing their house lights and torch lights,” said Heylen.

The convoy is planned to happen every Saturday evening along different routes in each town. Residents will be told what the routes will be so they know when to come out and cheer.

Watch the convoy in action: [Follow above link for videos]

 

[Hooked]

Essential services roll-out in convoy to show appreciation
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/essential-services-roll-out-in-convoy-to-show-appreciation
26 April 2020

Members of security and essential services in the Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay and Strand areas drove around in convoy on the evening of April 25 to show their appreciation to the communities for their support and receive appreciation in return.

Organiser Wayne Heylen, rapid response unit manager at the Vetus Schola group, said the convoy was made up of 30 to 40 vehicles which stretched out over 1km long as part of the COVID-19 essential services appreciation patrol.

Members of the Vetus Schola, Vetus Schola Rapid Response Unit, Vetus Schola Strike Team, Somerset West SAPS, GB Sec, GB Med, GB Sec Special Ops, HCW, Tracker, Traffic, ER24, FADT, AM, Secure Rite & Gordons Bay SAPS all participated.

Heylen explained that the patrol was intended to show visibility and thank the communities for adhering to lockdown rules and staying inside. He also said it gave those in Strand, Somerset West and Gordons Bay the opportunity to thank the essential service security and safety workers for their efforts.

“I want to say thanks again to the community for their appreciation for coming out and shouting, waving, flashing their house lights and torch lights,” said Heylen.

The convoy is planned to happen every Saturday evening along different routes in each town. Residents will be told what the routes will be so they know when to come out and cheer.

Watch the convoy in action: [Follow above link for videos][/QUOT


Seems more like a grand show of look-what-we're-doing-for-you ...

 

[Hooked]

Cape Town Central police station closes due to COVID-19 case
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/cape-town-central-police-station-closes-due-to-covid-19-case
26 April 2020

"The Cape Town Central police station has closed its doors after a member of the staff had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Phillipi East police station has also closed today after identifying a COVID-19 related case.

Alternative arrangements are being made to allow the stations to continue working at the most basic level.

The community service centres (CSC) of each have been relocated. The CSC of Cape Town Central police station has been relocated to the Cape Town Cluster offices at the back of the station and the Phillipi East Police Station CSC is operating from Vuyiseka High School across the police station.

“These contingencies have been effected to allow the decontamination process of the facilities to take place, in line with COVID-19 protocol,” said Brigadier Novela Potelwa.

SAPS officials who have been in contact with the infected members are undergoing the necessary screening/testing and are placed in quarantine."

 

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[Hooked]

CHECKERS TABLE BAY MALL CLOSED - CORONA

 

[Grand Guru]

We need to make masks obligatory in all shops as soon as possible before we run out of tellers.

 

[Hooked]

We need to make masks obligatory in all shops as soon as possible before we run out of tellers.

Our local supermarket, Spar, has instituted a rotation system for all their staff. They are divided into 3 teams. A team works for one week only and then they are off for two weeks (I suppose to see if they present with symptoms). And then there's a back-up team in case all the staff need to go into isolation. I think it's pretty good. I don't know if this directive came from Spar HO and therefore all the Spars are doing it, or if it has been done on the initiative of the owners.

 

[Hooked]

20 Checkers employees test positive for coronavirus
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/20-checkers-employees-test-positive-for-coronavirus
29 April 2020

"Approximately 20 employees of the Checkers at Bayside Mall in Table view have tested positive for COVID-19. Two employees had previously passed away after contracting the virus, and the remaining employees held an emotional memorial on Monday, April 27.

Earlier this month, the store temporarily closed its doors after a staff member received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. They closed doors temporarily and reopened two days later. Checkers Bayside Mall then had to close its doors again after more staff were diagnosed with the virus.

Centre management told TimesLIVE that it did not know when the supermarket would reopen.

Some employees also informed Netwerk24 that they were only informed of one of the positive cases, and were not told to self-isolate thereafter.

Cape Town Etc has reached out to Shoprite Holdings for comment but received nothing back at the time of publication.

 

[Hooked]

Mariner’s Wharf closes indefinitely
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/mariners-wharf-closes-indefinitely
1 May 2020

"Tourists from across the world have come to Hout Bay to visit the iconic Mariner’s Wharf, and it has become a local staple for Capetonians. Sadly, it is unknown whether visitors will be able to visit it again, as the Mariner’s Wharf has announced its indefinite closure.

Not only will the famous fish and chip bistro be closing, but all other businesses that called the Wharf home.

“South Africa’s first harbour front emporium, Mariner’s Wharf has made difficult decision to cease trading until the economy recovers. Despite having spent many weeks trying to find viable alternatives to overcoming the disruptions caused by the Coronavirus, which continues to devastate the world, other factors were also taken into consideration and played a crucial role in this decision,” the Wharf said in a statement. “These include the dramatic decline in tourism numbers as a result of water restrictions, power outages, poor service delivery from Council, riots, and declining fish resources, as well as issues relating to government leases on which the building stands.”

Founder and developer of Mariner’s Wharf, Stanley Dorman, who has and continues to play a pivotal role in the growth of tourism and development in Hout Bay, had to make this extremely difficult call. The alternative could have led to a liquidation, with employees then receiving less than their full entitlements.

“Sadly therefore, we decided to draw a line to halt further expenditure and to mothball Mariner’s Wharf until our economy and international tourism recovers,” Dorman said. “Thus, effective from this month, we will be retrenching employees, the exceptions being elements of essential services such as in our security and maintenance departments. Nonetheless the company intends guaranteeing affected staff full retrenchment packages, which will also take into consideration long-service, in many instances stretching back many years.”

While humbly apologising for the shock and disappointment this outcome may cause, Dorman and his co-directors wish to thank every one of their staff and their loyal customers for having been an integral part of a truly wonderful thirty-five years and in making Mariner’s Wharf the great icon it has become.

They trust that in the not-too-distant-future, the doors will open again and that locals and international visitors alike will be able to continue enjoying the great seafood and unique harbourfront offerings for which Mariner’s Wharf has become famous."

[My comment: Whew! This is a shock! ]

 

[Hooked]

3 More Shoprite stores in CT closed for deep cleaning due to Covid-19 cases
https://www.all4women.co.za/2012676...losed-for-deep-cleaning-due-to-covid-19-cases
7 May 2020

"The Shoprite group has confirmed that there has been a positive case of coronavirus both at its Checkers Kenilworth and Constantia stores, as well as a case at its Shoprite store in Woodstock, Cape Town. All three stores have since been closed, the company said in a statement." ... The shopping complex Kenilworth Centre has also been closed as a precautionary measure..."

 

[Hooked]

Car belonging to man who feeds homeless people in Mouille Point set alight
https://www.all4women.co.za/2012726...s-homeless-people-in-mouille-point-set-alight
7 May 2020

"The vehicle of a man who was recently told off by the police in a viral video for giving food to the homeless in Cape Town’s trendy Mouille Point was set ablaze on Wednesday morning. All that remained of the Mini Cooper was charred metal and strands of copper wires as well as burnt apples and documents in the boot. Two pairs of melted running shoes lay scattered behind the vehicle, and a faint tinge of burnt vinyl mingled with the sea air.

“My wife woke me up to say there was a fire out here,” said a resident of one of the upmarket apartment buildings where everybody has a sweeping view of the Atlantic Seaboard.

This shocking turn of events comes after a heated spell of arguing on Facebook about feeding the homeless in the area.

Peter Wagenaar is the man who was filmed being told by a police officer he could not distribute food directly to the homeless at his block of flats. He was told to give it to a shelter to distribute. According to Covid-19 lockdown regulations, the homeless were supposed to have been accommodated in shelters, among them a tent city in Strandfontein. However, a large numbers of people are still sleeping along the promenade on the fake grass or on the benches, and scratching in bins for something to eat.

According to Sea Point resident Shelley Finch, two camps fought on Facebook: one thinks individuals can give directly to the homeless, while the other thinks it should be distributed through a shelter. Finch said those who gave directly to the homeless were harassed by those who think it was wrong.

She added one resident, Paul Jacobson, was of the view Wagenaar was breaking the law by giving the homeless food directly, and published his address and vehicle registration number on Facebook.

To her shock, Wagenaar’s car was torched. “It’s crazy!” said Finch.

Jacobson told News24 he had nothing to do with what had happened to Wagenaar’s vehicle, although admitted to “perhaps mistakenly” publishing his address and registration number. He said he did this in the same vein when people called out others who parked in a disabled parking spot.

Jacobson added he was in the “responsible giving” camp which felt food and assistance should be distributed to the homeless through shelters, for their own dignity. He said although he felt strongly about this, he would never torch somebody’s car over it, and does not think any “vigilante” in Sea Point or Mouille Point would do so either, adding media reports had noted recently gangsters were handing out food parcels.

Jacobson suspects Wagenaar might have unwittingly stepped on somebody’s territory by building relationships with the homeless.

According to information he had received from a local security company, a motorbike was seen in the area and something was thrown at the vehicle before it burst into flames.

“Peter was probably occupying turf whether he knew it or not,” said Jacobson, a businessperson in the area.

Comment from Wagenaar was not immediately available, but he told the Cape Argus a handful of people were not happy with him for feeding the homeless. He told the publication they had a valid permit in place, and then at about 03:40 he saw his car was set alight and was burnt to the ground. He believed it was someone who was so toxic, they wanted to deter him.

Ward councillor Nicola Jowell noted on the Sea Point City Improvement District Facebook page that with the relocation of about 200 homeless people to the Strandfontein shelter, a new group of people moved to Sea Point from places like Hanover Park and Netreg in search of food.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said an arson investigation was opened, adding no arrests have been made.

 

[Adephi]

Some more Woolworths stores closed

https://ewn.co.za/2020/05/08/4-ct-woolies-stores-shut-after-staff-members-test-positive-for-covid-19

Woolworths stores in Constantia Village, Milner Road, Kenilworth Centre and Hout Bay have been closed for deep cleaning.

 

[Adephi]

Hope I may post this here...

My sister runs a NPO chef school in Cape Town. They take people from poor communities that have a passion for cooking but no means of paying for schooling and turn them into 5* chefs.

With the lockdown they were facing to close the school and send the students back home. Instead they teamed up with their main sponsor Woolworths and started cooking meals for the poor communities.

This week they served their 25 000th meal since lockdown started.

A small video of what they have done

 

[Hooked]

Hope I may post this here...

My sister runs a NPO chef school in Cape Town. They take people from poor communities that have a passion for cooking but no means of paying for schooling and turn them into 5* chefs.

With the lockdown they were facing to close the school and send the students back home. Instead they teamed up with their main sponsor Woolworths and started cooking meals for the poor communities.

This week they served their 25 000th meal since lockdown started.

A small video of what they have done

Kudos to them for what they were doing before and during lockdown @Adephi.

 

[Hooked]

26 People test positive for Covid-19 at Mediclinic Cape Town
https://www.all4women.co.za/2026356...positive-for-covid-19-at-mediclinic-cape-town
26 May 2020

"Twenty-six people have tested positive for Covid-19 at Mediclinic Cape Town in Oranjezicht, the medical facility confirmed on Monday
The company said this was in spite of stringent measures taken to reduce the transmission of the virus at all of its hospitals.

“Mediclinic can confirm that following the identification of a number of Mediclinic Cape Town healthcare workers and other service providers that tested positive for Covid-19, nearly 300 potential contacts have been tested, with the majority of these returning negative results,” said Dr Stefan Smuts, the chief clinical officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa.

“Currently, 26 individuals have tested positive, including 15 healthcare workers. The individuals in question are all currently in isolation and will remain so until they are fully recovered,” said Smuts in a statement. Mediclinic said it had arranged self-isolation accommodation for those in need of it, and managers will check in with staff every day.

Testing
Mediclinic is also identifying all staff, doctors and patients potentially exposed.

“Testing has been expanded and will continue until everyone on site has been tested, including all patients, doctors, employees and service providers based at the hospital,” the statement said.

From Monday to Friday, there will be assessment, testing and cleaning and only emergency admissions will be accepted, with a Covid-19 test done as well.

Further spread in the hospital will be mitigated and a very strict access control policy is in place, with emergencies going to a dedicated admission ward.

Mediclinic had already temporarily suspended visiting hours, and had been testing new admissions, even before the positive tests..."

 

[Hooked]

https://www.facebook.com/pg/SwartlandMunicipality/posts/?ref=page_internal

Swartland Municipality's Registration and Licencing Division in Malmesbury, Moorreesburg and Darling opens again on 1 June 2020.

Times for all points will be from 08:00-14:30 (Monday-Thursday) and 08:00-14:00 (Friday) in order to sanitise.

All safety measures will be applied strictly at all the offices (wearing of face masks, etc.)

All licenses that expired during the lockdown remain valid and will been extended for a further 90 days from 1 June 2020 [my highlights].There is thus sufficient time for people to renew their licenses and help us to avoid crowding at our offices

At the Malmesbury and Moorreesburg offices only 30 registrations, 30 drivers licence renewals and 6 roadworthy tests will be done daily.
At the Darling office only 40 transactions will be done daily.
The Malmesbury office will be working with skeleton staff to apply social distancing.

Any enquiries can be directed to Hennie Mouton, Head Registration and Licencing, at 0224879400/11

 

[Hooked]

Clay Café launches at home painting kits
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/clay-cafe-launches-at-home-painting-kits
27 May 2020

"Clay Café is offering up an exciting way to keep the cabin fever at bay. Cape Town’s favourite art studio is selling at-home kits to help keep those creative juices flowing.

Capetonians can choose from a variety bisque items, such as jugs, mugs, plates, bowls, platters and figurines. There are also a number of painting tools to choose from, including three different brush options. The individual paints go for R15 a tub and there are even dotters for sale.
To keep the hunger pangs at bay, Clay Café is even offering some delicious treats for free with each order.

The ceramic painting café will deliver your items of choice the next day. If you’re feeling stir crazy and need a creative outlet, this offering is the perfect way to keep yourself and the family busy.



Pic taken from

 

[Hooked]

Mariner’s Wharf announces partial reopening
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/mariners-wharf-announces-partial-reopening
31 May 2020

"Following the devastating news that popular tourism spot Mariner’s Wharf would close its door permanently, the establishment has now announced a partial reopening from June 1.

The iconic location close to many local hearts announced today [May 31] that they will begin trading again, including not only their liquor store but also their bakery and fishmarket.

“We are thrilled to announce the partial re-opening of Mariner’s Wharf. Our Liquor Store is opening on June 1, 2020, and our Bistro takeaways, Fishmarket (for prepacks & all priced items) & Bakery will open on June 2 2020,” said the establishment on a Facebook post.

Along with the announcement the Wharf is also offering a 15% discount in their fishmarket for every patron that spend over R100. All that is needed to claim the discount is a slip from the bistro or liquor store.

To make this occasion even sweeter, if you spend R100 or more in the Bistro or Liquor Store you will get a 15% discount in the Fishmarket (until further notice) when presenting your Bistro or Liquor Store receipt."

 

[Hooked]

Hospital reports fourth staff death
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/tygerberg-hospital-reports-fourth-staff-death
2 June 2020

"Another Tygerberg Hospital staff member has fallen victim to COVID-19 and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) is appealing to the Western Cape Health Department for help.

According to IOL, Nehawu said the union was informed of a porter’s death last week after he had been infected with the virus two weeks prior.

“He was on duty two weeks ago and he fell sick at work. He tested positive for COVID-19. He was admitted to the Mitchells Plain hospital and did not return to work,” Emilia Moloi, provincial secretary Nehawu told IOL.

This comes just a week after serious allegations were levelled against the hospital by National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw), saying that the hospital’s management is not properly protecting staff against the virus.

Those working at the hospital say that a shortage of personal protective equipment as well as the lack of screening of people who enter the facility are a big problem.

Laticia Pienaar, Principal Communications Officer from Tygerberg Hospital says, “There are several measures taken including daily screening, training and education about personal protective behaviour and PPE (Personal Protective equipment) use, the provision of adequate PPE, risk assessments of staff members, and where indicated, testing of staff at the hospital. There are several policies and standard operating procedures in place to guide safe practices for all staff at the hospital.”

Despite this, the facility’s popularity with various health worker unions is dipping as members continue to report poor safety and hygiene standards.

“It is understandable that staff are fearful and anxious. The hospital will therefore continue to implement measures to maximise protection of staff, whilst also asking staff to ensure their own safe behaviour in the workplace and at home. The hospital wishes to work in collaboration with organised labour (union representatives) to jointly ensure that staff are optimally protected in their work places,” adds Pienaar.

With the virus expected to reach its peak in the Western Cape only in July, many are fearing the situation for healthcare workers, especially those at Tygerberg, will only get worse."

 

[Hooked]

From FB

 

[Hooked]

‘Drive-through bars’ open in the Cape
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/drive-through-bars-open-in-the-cape
4 June 2020

"... The popular Foresters Arms in Newlands, the Franschhoek Beer Company and Jack Black’s Taproom have reshaped their businesses to include ‘drive-through bars’. This will reduce contact between customers and employees and offer a different way to order food and drinks.

Foresters Arms is operating through Dineplan and their website. Customers can place an order on either of these sites, choose a time to collect, then have their drinks delivered to their car. Of course, you can also order some of the delicious food Forries is known for to accompany your drinks.

Order Here https://forries.co.za/

Franschhoek Beer Company is operating in the same way. You order online and your order is packed, sanitised and brought to your vehicle. Club members even get a discount."