Garden Route declared hotspot

During tonight’s ‘Family Meeting’ in which President Ramaphosa addressed the nation, the Garden Route was declared a hotspot in the Covid-19 pandemic.  This is after Nelson Mandela Bay Metro was declared a hotspot earlier in the month.  The same fate was bestowed upon the Sarah Baartman District in the Eastern Cape. 

These hotspots will have to adhere to additional Lockdown Level 1 regulations, which include:

• Beaches will be closed from December 16, 2020 – January 3, 2021;
• Extended curfew from 22h00 – 04h00;
• Restaurants therefore close latest 21h00;
• Gatherings not to exceed 100 people in closed venues; 250 in open air venues.  Gatherings not to exceed 50% of  venue’s capacity; and
• Alcohol sales in retail outlets only from Monday – Thursday, 10h00 – 18h00.

The region is known for its huge variety in landscape, offerings and experiences.  While the Garden Route beaches include some of the most pristine beaches in the country, the lakes and estuaries, forests, mountains and semi-desert of the Klein Karoo each hold their own attraction.  Wide open spaces are all around, as there are no major metropoles in the Garden Route district.

Adventure activities include boat rides, sailing charters, hot air ballooning, paragliding and visits to animal sanctuaries, to name but a few.  The Garden Route boasts several outdoor family- and eco-friendly markets, while outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, mountain biking and golf are readily available to be enjoyed by holiday makers and locals alike. Please note that most public parks and reserves

From the beginning of lockdown the hospitality industry including accommodation and restaurants have worked hard at formulating, implementing and adhering to the general safety protocols.  The industry’s adopted ‘Travel Safe Eat Safe’ certification can be seen at most establishments.  Wearing of masks, sanitizing and screening, as well as appropriate distancing is in place at most if not all outlets.

While the Covid-restrictions may dampen the holiday festivities slightly, the Garden Route has so much to offer that a visit to the beach will hardly be missed this year!  Happy holidays, wear a mask, sanitize often, and keep your social distance!