1.5m people back at work

South Africa has started to gradually loosen its strict coronavirus lockdown, allowing some industries to reopen after five weeks of restrictions that plunged the economy deeper into turmoil.

The economy was already teetering when the lockdown kicked in on 27 March to contain the spread of infections.

The government adopted a gradual and phased approach to reopen the country from yesterday, when Level 4 of the lockdown regulations came into effect. Previously, under Level 5, only essential services were allowed to operate.

About 1.5 million workers in selected industries are returning to work in the next phase under strict health conditions, according to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel.

Winter clothing, textile and packaging manufacturing are among the industries permitted to reopen factories.

Restaurants will also open, but only for takeaway deliveries.

Bans on the sale of cigarettes and alcohol remain in effect.

Some outdoor activities, such as cycling, walking and running will be allowed – but for just three hours in the morning.

Social distancing and wearing masks in public and at workplaces will be mandatory.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma warned: “Companies that breach regulations will be forced to close.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa took the decision to stagger the easing of the lockdown restrictions in a bid to strike a balance between protecting public health and the economy.

“Our people need to eat. They need to earn a living,” Ramaphosa said. “Companies need to be able to produce and to trade, they need to generate revenue and keep their employees in employment.”

The economy was in recession and reeling from low growth and high debts before the coronavirus pandemic even began.

Last week, Ramaphosa unveiled an unprecedented R500 billion economic stimulus and social relief package, amounting to about 10% of gross domestic product ( GDP).

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni said the country would seek coronavirus relief aid from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, where it is eligible for up to $4.2 billion (R79 billion). – AFP

Our people need to eat. They need to earn a living. Companies need to be able to trade. They need to keep their employees in employment.