eThekwini Municipality welcomes the announcement of the lockdown by President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday evening following the increasing number of Coronavirus infections. EThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has instructed law enforcement personel to act without fear or favour in the event of behaviour and incidents posing a threat to human life.

'The head of state has spoken. As a result, all spheres of government must tow the line. And we are no exception. We have issued clear directives in our bid to curb the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are expecting everyone to comply or face consequences. The lives of all of us are at stake and it cannot be business as usual. Anyone bathing or swimming in our pools or beaches must be physically removed and where the need arises must be dealt with within the ambit of the law. In times such as these, the state must exercise its authority. It is the responsibility of all of us to flatten the curve of this virus in our country. We are not prepared at all to take chances' said Kaunda.

The city has deliberated on comprehensive plans that seek to ensure that service delivery is not hampered by the lockdown. City Employees at essential services are clear of their roles and they have been urged to discharge their responsibilities to the best of their abilities for the benefit of all resident in our city and the country in general.