After President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a lockdown until midnight on Thursday 16 April, here are the do’s and don’ts:
Operations that will continue:.Health workers in the public and private sector.Emergency personnel.Security services – such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel and soldiers.Other personnel necessary for our response to the pandemic.
It will also include those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food and basic goods, essential banking services, the maintenance of power, water and telecommunications services, laboratory services and the provision of medical and hygiene products.
Will I be able to leave my house?.People will still be allowed to get to shops and access essential goods and services, but in small numbers..Only undertake essential trips – to get food, seek medical care or access supplies. .When leaving your home you need to go out alone, plan your trip and get in and out of your destination as quickly as possible. .Practise hygiene when you go out, wash your hands when leaving home, do so again at your destination and before you depart for home.
What about homeless people?. Temporary shelters that meet the necessary hygiene standards will be identified for homeless people. .Sites are also being identified for quarantine and self-isolation for people who cannot self-isolate at home.
We are all in this together
. Aggressive containment measures are essential to ensure the virus doesn’t spread any further, so avoid unnecessary travel.. We call on everyone to cooperate with government and other sectors to implement the measures.
What services will remain open?
. Aside from the necessary personnel, banks and essential financial and payment services, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), will remain open.. Supermarkets will remain open so citizens can continue to care for themselves and their families. . Petrol stations will remain open. . Companies that are essential for the production and transport of food, basic goods and medical supplies will remain open.. The government calls on everyone in the country to avoid panic buying.. Let us be considerate and responsible, to ensure we have enough for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our society.
