Cape Town businesses doing their part to prevent COVID-19 spread

After President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following businesses announced temporary closures.

SEE: How Cape Town’s top attractions are operating during the COVID-19 pandemic

Museums

Robben Island Museum

Robben Island Museum temporarily suspend tours for a period of two days (17 & 18 March 2020).

Visitors may email to reschedule or get a full refund as per Robben Island Museum’s terms & conditions:
reschedule@robben-Island.org.za
refunds@robben-Island.org.za

Rescheduling or cancellation fees will not be applied.

Zeitz MOCAA

The Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront will be temporarily closed from 17 March until 6 April 2020. General admission tickets already booked for this period will either be fully refunded or accepted for entry when the museum re-opens.

Full statement

Norval Foundation

The Norval Foundation (including The Skotnes Restaurant) will be closed from March 17th – April 12th, 2020 to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Following the declaration of a National State of Disaster by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and in accordance with the stipulations that he outlined—as well as out of concern for our staff, patrons, members and visitors—we have taken the decision to temporarily close Norval Foundation (including The Skotnes Restaurant) to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. . . Therefore, Norval Foundation will be closed from March 17th – April 12th, 2020. . . We believe that each one of us has a responsibility to protect one another, as this is a medical health crisis that affects us all. The governmental declaration has been made with the express purpose of keeping everyone safe, and we support that completely. . . Please put everyone’s wellbeing first and don’t take unnecessary risks, considering the vulnerable in our society and acting with compassion. . . We hope that you will follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates as we assess the situation on an ongoing basis. You can also take our free virtual tour! . . Gallery operations will continue remotely during this time to the best of our ability, so do contact us through info@norvalfoundation.org for any questions or queries. . . Please do look after yourselves and one another. . . Elana Brundyn, Chief Executive Owen Martin, Chief Curator and Norval Foundation’s Team #norvalfoundation #coronavirus #elanabrundyn

A post shared by Norval Foundation (@norvalfoundation) on

Markets

Old Biscuit Mill

The Neighbourgood Market organisers have announced that they will be closing the market with immediate effect.

Though the weekly market will be closed for the time being, the Old Biscuit Mill itself and the permanent tenants who operate within the centre will remain open and trading as normal throughout the week, from Mondays through Saturdays.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

???????????? ???? ??? ??? ??????? ???? In these unprecedented times, tough decisions need to be made. And so, in response to the coronavirus outbreak and in light of the president’s national address, the Neighbourgood Market organisers have announced that they will be closing the market with immediate effect. This decision was reached to safeguard the health and personal safety of not only marketgoers, but the many staff, vendors and traders who make up the Neighbourgoods community. Though the weekly market will be closed for the time being, the Old Biscuit Mill itself and the permanent tenants who operate within the centre will remain open and trading as normal throughout the week, from Mondays through Saturdays. Increased safety and hygiene measures have been implemented throughout the centre and all stores that remain open are doing their part to further safeguard their staff members and customers.

A post shared by The Old Biscuit Mill (@oldbiscuitmill) on

Oranjezicht City Farm

The Oranjezicht City Farm will be closed to the public, effective 17 March 2020 until further notice. This is in addition to the market being closed.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Due to the nature of the spread of the novel coronavirus and in context of the national strategies for responding to the COVID19 pandemic, the Oranjezicht City Farm will be closed to the public, effective 17 March 2020. This closure of the Farm will last until further notice. This is in addition to the Market being closed. Please see further details in the comments below. We are grateful for the support of the community during these difficult times and are committed to being a responsible and helpful community member ourselves. We encourage all to be kind, patient and understanding, and to take some time to re-connect with nature. The season of this pandemic will, in time, pass, and may we each commit to come through it a better person than when it all began. With thanks from the soles of our muddy boots to the tips of our green thumbs, The OZCF Team

A post shared by OZCFarm (@ozcfarm) on

Mojo Market

Mojo Market announced the close of business on Monday 16 March 2020. Having shared ablution facilities for patrons and staff coupled with the inability to affect social distancing, it is a potential breeding ground for this virus, the Market announced via social media. They will welcome patrons back as soon as it is socially responsible to do so.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

MOJO’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 Faced with this grave situation, with full knowledge of the dire scenario, which may play out, it is our social responsibility to close @TheMojoMarket from the close of business tonight, Monday 16 March 2020. . . . #MojoMarket, having, shared ablution facilities for patrons and staff coupled with the inability to affect social distancing, is a potential breeding ground for this virus. . . . As wisely instructed by our President we cannot allow gatherings to take place of over 100 people. In fact, even under 100 people in the Mojo context, gatherings would be irresponsible. . . . Please understand that we make this decision as a response to a very grave situation. . . . We encourage other establishments to follow this example so as to protect the community especially our senior citizens and the most vulnerable. . . . We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as it is socially responsible to do so! . . . Yours faithfully, THE MOJO MARKET TEAM

A post shared by Mojo Market (@themojomarket) on

Theatres

Baxter Theatre

The Baxter Theatre Centre has made the decision to cancel all performances at the theatre, with immediate effect, until the end of April 2020. There has been a call on social media platforms that patrons who have booked tickets for a show at any theatre or event to please donate the tickets rather than requesting for a refund as this is precisely what can kill the arts.

Full statement

The Fugard Theatre

The Fugard Theatre has suspended operations with immediate effect as of Monday 16 March 2020 until further notice. Sometimes the show can’t go on: If you have tickets to a live performance or screening which has been cancelled due to COVID-19, please consider donating your ticket rather than requesting a refund.

Full statement

Tours

Newlands Brewery Beer Experience Tours

Newlands Brewery has made the decision to suspend our #BeerExperience tours with immediate effect. No new #BeerExperiences tour booking will be taken until further notice.

Bo-Kaap

The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association has advised tourists not to enter the area, in light of the coronavirus. In a statement, the organisation says due to the influx of tourists at present, residents are more prone to get into contact with travellers from high-risk countries.