Covid-19: President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that lockdown regulations will be relaxed in gradual phases from Friday 1st of May 2020. Government is using 5 level approach to determine what measures to apply in dealing with Covid-19.
Here are the do’s and don’ts on Level 4, starting on 1st May, as outlined by the president:
- Some business will be allowed to resume operations under specific conditions.
- Every business will have to adhere to detailed health and safety protocols to prevent their employees, and workplace plans will be put in place to enable disease and prevent the spread of the infection.
- All businesses that are permitted to resume operations will be required to do so in phased manner, first preparing that workplace for a return to operations, followed by the return of the workplace in batches of no more than one-third.
- In some cases, a sector will not be able to return to full production during level 4 while the risk of infection remains high.
- These will be spelled out the following days a final round of consultations.
- Businesses will be encouraged to adopt a work-from-home strategy where possible.
- All staff who can work remotely must be allowed to do so.
- The relevant ministers will provide details on the process for the phased re-opening of schools and other educational institutions.
- Our borders will remain closed to international travel, except for the repatriation of South African nationals and foreign citizens.
- No travel will be allowed between provinces, except for the transportation of goods and exceptional circumstances such as funerals.
- Public transport will continue to operate, with limitations on the number of passengers and stringiest hygiene requirement,including that all passengers must wear a face mask.
- The public is encouraged to stay at home, other than for essential personal movement, doing essential work and work in sectors that are under controlled opening. People can exercise under strict public health conditions.
- All gatherings, apart from funerals and for work, will remain prohibited.
- Those who are elderly, and those with underlying conditions, must remain at home and take additional precautions to isolate themselves.
- The sale of cigarettes will be permitted.
- The range of goods that may be sold will be extended to incorporate certain additional categories. These will be detailed by the relevant ministers.
- Bars and shebeens (unlicensed establishment or private house selling alcohol) will remain closed
- Conference and convention centers, entertainment venues, cinemas, theaters, and concerts will remain closed.
- Concepts, sporting events and religious, cultural and social gatherings will not allowed until it is deemed safe for them to continue.