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On the evening of the 23^rd of April, President Ramaphosa announced the phased lifting of lockdown regulations in South Africa.

South Africa is currently in level 5 of lockdown which is also referred to as “hard lockdown” and is the strictest of the 5 phases.

However, as the President of South Africa stated, this phase cannot be sustained indefinitely due to the major impact it has had on our fragile economy so far.

Lockdown Regulations in South Africa

The proactive approach taken to implement a hard lockdown in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic was indeed a respectable decision as it played a fundamental role in mitigating the spread of the virus in our country.

This prompt decision made by our President was applauded by world leaders and medical experts across the globe.

However, the impact that the lockdown has had on our economy has been monumental, and a phased lifting of the lockdown has become necessary.

This means that beyond the 30^th of April, South Africa will begin the long-awaited, controlled and gradual return to economic activity.

A collective sigh of relief was felt by the entire country after the President’s announcement, but what does level 4 actually mean for businesses?

Phases of Lockdown in South Africa

There is still much uncertainty regarding who will be able to return to business as usual, and what restrictions will be in place for those who do.

Therefore, the country will follow a risk-adjusted strategy aimed at continuously assessing the national risk and infection rate in each province, district and metropole.

This strategy has been carefully developed by experts who made it clear that an abrupt return to normal economic activity will lead to a sudden and exponential infection rate. It’s therefore crucial that everyone adheres to the implemented regulations in each of the 5 phases.

The 5 phases of lockdown in South Africa are broken down in the following way:

• Level 5 – strict and drastic measures are necessary
• Level 4 – some activity is permitted, subject to extreme and specific requirements
• Level 3 – easing of some work and social restrictions
• Level 2 – further easing of restrictions in place with continued maintenance of social distancing
• Level 1 – most normal activity may resume with caution and strict health and safety guidelines followed at all times

As South Africa enters into level 4, all businesses resuming operations will have to adhere to strict conditions with stringent health and safety protocols and newly developed strategies around cleanliness in the workplace.

Additionally, companies will be required to develop strict plans for the return of their workforce which will include limiting the number of employees who will be allowed to return and those who are able to work remotely are expected to do so.

Level 4 Lockdown Regulations

The following restrictions are in place during level 4 of South Africa’s lockdown:

• Borders will remain closed
• Non-essential inter-provincial travelling will be not be permitted
• Exercise is permitted under strict conditions while all gyms will remain closed
• Social gathering is still prohibited, including the visiting of family or friends
• Funerals are permitted under strict conditions
• The range of goods which will be sold is expanded, including the sale of tobacco products
• The sale of alcohol is still prohibited
• Bars and shebeens will remain closed
• Restaurants may open for delivery of food only; no sit-down diners or takeaways are permitted
• Entertainment venues, theatres, cinemas, concerts, conference and convention centres will remain closed
• Sporting events as well as cultural and religious gatherings will not be permitted until it’s deemed safe
• Wearing a face mask when you leave the home will be mandatory
• A curfew will be in place from 8pm to 5am every day

Public Health Guidelines

Social distancing and other efforts made by the citizens of South Africa to prevent the transmission of the virus remains of utmost importance.

The following measures should still be taken by all members of the public:

• Social distancing
• Stay at home if you can and only leave the house for essential reasons which include thhe purchase of essential items or to seek urgent medical attention
• Should you have the need to go out into public, maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from those around you
• Individuals over the age of 60 and those with underlying health issues should remain at home, taking additional precautions to self-isolate
• Wash your hands regularly for a minimum of 20 seconds each time. Sanitise your hands regularly, especially when out in public
• When doing essential shopping, avoid touching products that you do not intend on purchasing and taking home
• Wear a cloth mask whenever you leave the house

Van Deventer & Van Deventer Incorporated – South African Attorneys

Our attorneys understand how frustrating the lockdown period has been and will continue to be for essential and non-essential businesses alike.

There is no doubt that it will take some time before our country can return to normal activity while staying safe from COVID-19.

However, in order to fast-track the return to business as usual, it’s imperative that we all adhere to the relevant restrictions in each phase.

For more information regarding level 4 lockdown regulations in South Africa and what that means for your business, please contact us.