The much-anticipated regulations, facilitating the transition from alert level 5 to alert level 4, were announced by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Dlamini-Zuma on Wednesday evening.

 

Persons who enjoy alcoholic beverages and smokers will have to wait a little longer for good news, but for many entrepreneurs, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel as economic activity is slowly being activated as some businesses are permitted to commence operations. The comprehensive list of permitted services and goods under alert level 4 are contained in Government notice, dated 29 April 2020.

 

From Friday, 1 May 2020, some employers may commence operations. However, they must develop a workplace Covid 19 action plan and integrate a stringent health care screening process before allowing employees to gradually return to the workplaces. Travel will be amended to allow for busses and trains to operate following strict hygiene standards, similar to the existing public transport regulations.  Certain wholesale and manufacturers who supply, toiletries, winter clothing, blankets and baby products will be allowed to sell to the public. Agricultural, hunting, forestry and fishing will be allowed to operate, which will include the export of wine and wool internationally.

 

Certain relaxations have been made in terms of the food service activities which will now allow delivery of prepared food between 09:00 and 19:00 only.

 

Service providers such as plumbers, locksmiths’ electricians, glaziers and automotive repairs will be allowed for emergencies and essentials to all persons. Importantly, services such as hairdressers, beauty salons, gyms, and any social events or venues such as casinos, flea markets and bars remain closed.

 

Employers are still urged to allow employees to work from home, and additional relaxations on computers, IT, sales and repairs have been introduced to allow and support this recommendation.

 

We will be publishing subsequent articles on the updated regulations in due course.