ICYMI: Joburg emergency teams call for ‘cautious’ NYE celebrations
The City of Joburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) has called for residents to exercise caution during the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The warning comes a few hours before South Africans will usher in a new year at the weekend.
But it will be the second year the country celebrates under lockdown, albeit less harsh than in 2020.
Level 1 restrictions include a limit on gatherings.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says residents are urged to adhere to these restrictions.
“Following the adjusted Alert level 1 regulations, we call on our residents to conduct celebrations of the advent of the new year differently and responsibly at the comfort of their homes," Mulaudzi says.
"The year in many fronts has been a difficult and different one, thus we must not let our guard down, all in the name of a New Year’s Eve celebration.
“The culture of igniting fireworks is traditionally done in forms of a larger group, which is highly discouraged by Alert level 1 regulations, as such gatherings can serve as Covid-19 super spreader events.
"Therefore, we implore our residents to be extra careful when igniting fireworks, while avoiding gathering in groups.”
Law enforcement is expected to conduct bylaws enforcement operations until Friday, targeting wholesalers, dealers, and distributors to ensure that they are complying with fire service regulations.
“We will also remain on high alert overnight on New Year's Eve,” Mulaudzi says.
"Residents are reminded that the setting off of fireworks other than at designated times is illegal and subject to a hefty fine."
Mulaudzi gives more details below:
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