The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has noted with concern the illegal influx to the beaches in the Metro over the last few weeks.
Beaches have been closed and off-limits since the hard lockdown was announced in March.
All beaches and public amenities have been closed in the Metro in line with the guidelines announced by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
The Chairperson for the NMBM Disaster Management Shane Brown said despite the strict rules in place, many residents are overcrowding the beaches or engaging in illegal gatherings along the beach. He called on residents to refrain from breaking the Covid-19 regulations.
He said COVID-19 is not over, and the new influx that is happening on our beaches, especially during the weekends, is shocking.
The regulations are very clear that beaches are off-limits except for fishermen.
If residents fail to comply with the National Regulations, an enforcement officer may order everyone at the gathering to disperse. If residents refuse to disperse, the law enforcement officer may take appropriate action including arrests or detention.
The following places and premises are closed to the public and gatherings at these places are prohibited:
•All beaches along the coastline within the jurisdiction of NMBM are closed for all activities except for recreational fishing. (Residents may walk and run along the beachfront promenade whilst wearing a face mask and observing social distancing)
• Shark Rock Pier in Summerstrand
• Parks and Recreational Public Open Spaces except exercising
• Springs Resort in Uitenhage and Beach View Resort
• Braai facilities at Maitland’s and along Marine drive and
• Toilet facilities along the beachfront
The City would like to remind residents that there are no lifeguards present on all the beaches and should any incident occur, the City will not be held responsible.
