Cultural spaces remain closed
Bookworms and culture lovers will have to wait patiently for the reopening of the local libraries, museums and the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre, as there are still some processes that have to run their course after the announcement last week of the amended lockdown Level 3 regulations pertaining to cultural spaces.
Senior libraries manager at George Municipality Shanold Marillac said although the amended regulations are in place, it is still up to the Department of Culture and Sport in the Western Cape to make a final decision. "We are awaiting detailed and clearer guidance from the national government. In the meantime we have submitted our detailed opening plans drawn up in line with Covid-19 regulations, for once the libraries get the go ahead. George Municipality will advise the public as soon as we are given an opening date."
Arts Theatre
Arts Theatre manager Bernie Schaap said she is still finalising the necessary protocols and has to apply to the department before she can set a date for reopening and announce their programme.
George Museum
Regarding the reopening of the George Museum, Dr Tania Colyn, head of communications of the Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport Department, said after the gazetting of the regulations they will engage with relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed reopening of certain services. "Only once we have discussed this with the relevant role players, will we make decisions on if and when certain services will reopen."
Minister Nathi Mthethwa published the directions for cultural and arts facilities on Monday 6 July.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said in a statement that all arts and cultural institutions must submit their readiness plans for the prevention of the spread of Covid-19 in writing within 14 days of the publication of the directions. The directions include the limitation of operating hours, the provision of limited services and limited contact, as well as the limitation on the number of people visiting a space at any given time.
We are awaiting detailed and clearer guidance from the national government.