16 May 2020

Public health inspectors have suspended the operation of some businesses in Selebi Phikwe due to non-compliance to extreme social distancing regulations.

Chief public health inspector for Selebi Phikwe Town Council (SPTC), Mr Moreki Nthibo said the council always conducted inspections to ensure that public health regulations were adhered to the letter.

 He said since the start of phase two of the lockdown regulations, inspectors had observed that some businesses had opened without inspection, hence contravening COVID-19 regulations.

 Mr Nthibo said businesses were temporarily closed to give them time to purchase all the necessary equipment required.

He also urged businesses that had been permitted to operate to book with public health official for inspection and clearance of all compliance regulations prior to opening for business.

 He said some businesses, especially clothing stores, experienced an influx of customers resulting in failure to observe social distancing.

 “Phase two of the lockdown requires businesses to do daily COVID-19 temperature screening and keep a register of all employees, visitors and clients,” he said.

 Mr Nthibo further stated that since phase two started, inspectors had observed that some businesses operated without infra red

thermometres or registers whilst some did not observe social distancing.

 He said public health regulations should be followed without fail to help fight the pandemic.

 Mr Nthibo also urged businesses to ensure that no customer accessed their businesses without wearing a mask, and further advised them to make social distancing floor markings to guide customers to observe social distancing.

 Some of the businesses that have been permitted to operate include baby shops, general clothing, motor dealers, opticians and cellular phone shops. ENDS