(3minutes read)
· Most segments of the South African businesses will be allowed
to re-open at the end of this month after a two-month lockdown
· The draft document containing proposals was discussed at
the National Coronavirus Command Council, which was addressed by
President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Most segments of the South African businesses will be allowed to
re-open at the end of this month after a two-month lockdown. The draft
plan for opening up the economy says that regulations would continue
to prohibit the sale of tobacco. The licensed stores can sell beer,
wine and liquor four days a week. The draft document containing
proposals was discussed at the National Coronavirus Command
Council, which was addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He held
talks with representatives of various sectors over the past two weeks
as the government and industry engaged on how to reopen the economy.
Other proposed changes to the regulations include:
· Businesses with more than 50 employees must try and stagger
working hours
· Mandating construction and manufacturing companies with more
than 500 employees to provide transport to their employees or stagger
shift arrangements.
· Gatherings remain banned, although some rules may be relaxed:
o People will be allowed to exercise more freely, provided it’s not
in organized groups and health protocols and physical distancing are
maintained.
o Professional non-contact sports matches will be permitted and may
include match officials, medical and television crew and two
journalists.
o Funeral attendance is still limited to 50 people and night vigils
are prohibited. Travel by people from areas that may be on higher
lockdown-alert levels will be limited to direct family and a permit
will be required.
· Any child traveling to permitted school class must have a
certificate giving the institution’s details.
· Liquor may only be sold for off-site consumption between
Monday to Thursday.
· Hotels, casinos, restaurants, gyms, churches and other
places normally open to the public remain closed.
· Beaches and public parks are open for exercise purposes, but
exclude the use of exercise equipment, playgrounds or ablutions.
· The public isn’t allowed to visit people in hospital or prison.
· People from 60 years-of-age and up, as well as those with
conditions like heart disease and diabetes, are encouraged to
self-isolate and only leave home for exceptional reasons.
