Question NW1389 to the Minister of Tourism
25 August 2020 - NW1389
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Tourism
What scientific backing went into the decision to reopen cinemas and casinos during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Reply:
As Honorable member would know, cinemas fall under the mandate of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
As for the reopening of casinos, it was informed by the stringent preventative protocols developed by the casino industry, which were deemed adequate to prevent the spread of infections from a health point of view. These included adequate social distancing and spacing between machines, wearing of masks, frequent sanitization, different entrances for staff and patrons, screening of patrons and staff, keeping a register, arrangements for isolation room where necessary, booking of slots before arrival, and mainly working with membership based clientele amongst others.