As South Africa’s economy begins to reopen at Level 3 lockdown, some businesses will be forced to remain shut.
In June, millions of South Africans will return to work after a period of protracted inactivity. The coronavirus-induced lockdown, which has successfully managed to delay the virus’ peak and, in doing so, has offered the country’s healthcare system a window of opportunity to prepare for the inevitable onslaught, has wrought fierce economic devastation.
The country’s embattled workforce, which has lay dormant for almost two months, has been offered a reprieve in the form of Level 3 lockdown. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation on Sunday night, noted that while the primary focus of the lockdown was to save lives from the spread of COVID-19, the coinciding grim socioeconomic prospects would need to be mitigated by a reopening of the economy at large.
The National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC), which is tasked with developing and amending regulations within the Disaster Management Act, has reiterated that while the focus has shifted to the reopening of the economy, stringent health and safety protocols, intended to preserve human life, would need to be followed by all businesses.
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
There are, however, some businesses which will not be allowed to operate at Level 3 lockdown. The NCCC has listed industries which remain high-risk zones. These sectors of the economy will be excluded because of their alleged propensity for furthering infection. Businesses closed to the public during Level 3 lockdown include:
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Flea markets
- Fêtes and bazaars
- Night clubs
- Casinos
- Hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, resorts and guesthouses (exceptions include accommodation for work purposes, quarantine/isolation or remaining tourists)
- Private and public game reserves
- Conference facilities
- Any on-consumption premises (including bars, taverns and shebeens)
- Theatres and cinemas
southafrican.com
