Penalties for defaulting Linden businesses

COVID-19 pandemic

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) has developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for market vendors within the mining town. As such, the municipality on Monday announced that strict penalties will be implemented against persons guilty of defiance. In accordance with the procedures, it was noted that vendors within the township must wear face masks at all times. The town’s Mayor, Waneka Arrindell, recently noted that the municipality is seeking to clamp down on shopkeepers who do not adhere regulations as it relates to wearing face masks during hours of work, as she pointed out that there have been numerous complaints.
“We’re also facing a problem whereby some shopkeepers are not using masks…and so I know the Council is looking into having persons to observe and start to fine persons if they are not selling with their masks,” the Mayor said. The procedures also outlined that customers must remain at least 1 metre or 3 feet apart during the process of purchasing goods. Additionally, the allocated distance must be visibly outlined. It also states that food handling certificates and other certificates of compliance or fitness must be prominently displayed at places of business involved in the selling of food. Workspace and equipment including knives, scales, cutting boards, and others must be sanitised prior to being used to serve the public and every four hours after, according to the SOPs. It further encourages vendors to practice effective hand hygiene (wash hands thoroughly every two-three hours) to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as to sanitise their hands as often as possible. Ready to eat foods should also be separated from food that is likely to be contaminated, such as raw meat, fish and poultry, the municipality outlined. Furthermore, it urged business owners to stay within the confines of their stall or businesses while outlining that random inspections will be done to ensure compliance.
Linden has recorded 10 COVID-19 cases.