According to reports, residents of one of Cape Town’s most remarkable neighbourhoods, Bo-Kaap, have announced that it is under lockdown.
Residents in the neighourhood, renowned for its Cape Malay heritage and bright coloured houses on the slopes of Signal Hill, have been closing up shops and cancelling appointments with tour guides who frequently visit the area.
The Chairperson of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association, Osman Shaboodien, has announced that the community is following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to practice social distancing and good hygiene.
“As Bo-Kaap is a tourist destination we are more prone than other areas to get into contact with tourists from high-risk countries,” said Shaboodien. “We, therefore, place the tourism industry and government on notice that Bo-Kaap will be on lockdown and no tourists will be allowed into our area.”
He said the Bo-Kaap community had an average age demographic of 60-62-year-olds. This age group is considered a high risk for COVID-19.
“We have lots of busses coming through Bo-Kaap. We understand that some residents are involved in the tourism sector so it’s not going to be easy and the decision was not taken lightly but will be the best for our community.”
