lockdown regulations amended

Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel / Photo by GCIS

Level 3 lockdown: Which businesses are still restricted?

Almost the entire workforce can operate in Alert Level 3, but the hospitality sector is still burdened by strict restrictions.

lockdown regulations amended

Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel / Photo by GCIS

The Alert Level 3 phase of the nationwide lockdown will allow millions of South Africans to return to work, and Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has outlined specific guidelines for this opening of the economy. 

Speaking at a National Command Council (NCC) briefing on Thursday 28 May, she, as well as Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel, said that employers must ensure that certain restrictions are made clear within workplaces to continue stemming the spread of COVID-19.

There are still many industries that will have to wait for their industries to reopen though.

‘Almost entire workforce can operate’ 

All industry will be permitted to reopen, aside from restaurants, entertainment and recreation facilities which will remain closed due to the risk of spread associated with those environments. 

Local governments can operate close to full operation. Consequently, council meetings and gatherings can resume with strict social distancing, hygiene and health measures. 

“Directions in this regard will be issued,” said Dlamini-Zuma.

“The lockdown is a blunt instrument intended only as a temporary measure,” said Patel.  “It is effective but comes with enormous collateral damage to the economy.”

“Almost our entire workforce will be back at work, but those who can work from home are encouraged to do so,” said Patel. “Special care must be taken for those over 60 and those with co-morbidities”

The restrictions that need to continue to be enforced are as follows

  • Employers must ensure that the 1.5 metres distance is maintained amongst employees.
  • Limit the number of people in the workplaces, so that we minimise the chance of infection.
  • Health and sanitation services must be readily available to employees 
  • Masks must be worn and surfaces must be disinfected.
  • Businesses must have a dedicated sanitation officer responsible for ensuring compliance with health guidelines.

Patel insisted that if it is possible for employees to work from home, they must do so, and urged companies and industry to put in place provisions for employees who are over the age of 60, due to that age demographic’s increased risk of infection. 

“Suffice to say current regulations, directions, guidelines and health protocols will be strengthened so as to factor in the increased and gradual return to work of many more people,” said Dlamini-Zuma.

Who must still remain closed? 

The following businesses will remain closed for the time being: 

  • Restaurants, 
  • Shebeens, 
  • Taverns, 
  • Night clubs, 
  • Bars, 
  • Cinemas, 
  • Theatres, 
  • Fêtes,
  • Bazaars, 
  • Casinos,
  • Hotels,
  • Lodges, 
  • Bed and breakfasts, 
  • Timeshare facilities,
  • Resorts, and
  • Guest houses

Accommodation facilities will be permitted to take bookings for those required to travel for business only.

“Those that are accommodating remaining and confined tourists, persons lodging as a result of work purposes; and persons in quarantine or isolation [will be permitted to open]. The various ministers will elaborate on these aspects especially the Minister of Tourism,” said Dlamini-Zuma