Alert Level 5 (Full Lockdown)
South Africa went into Lockdown (Alert Level 5) on the 26 March 2020 for 35 days.
On 1 May 2020, South Africa shifted into what is called the COVID-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy. This strategy is a system that distinguishes between five different levels of restrictions, from the highest being Alert Level 5 (which is the same as what we had under Lockdown) to the lowest being Level 1.
Initially, return to work will be based on the national level, but will progressively be expanded to provincial and district level, enabling workplaces to adapt to the level of infection and healthcare readiness in its locality.
Alert Level 5 is the most restrictive of all the alert levels, with only essential services permitted under sectors.
We have developed a range of toolkits for each level of lockdown to assist you as a business.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO OPERATE A PERMITTED BUSINESS?
What documentation do I need to operate a permitted business during lockdown? Depending on your business, you will need to show a Permit to Perform an Essential or Permitted Service, as well as either of the following: CIPC Certificate; or...
HAS ANY SUPPORT OR INTERVENTION MEASURES BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO SPAZASHOPS AND GENERAL DEALERS DURING LOCKDOWN?
Yes, there have been Support or Relief Measures made available for Sparzashops and General Dealers during Lockdown. On 18 April 2020, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) announced guidelines for participation in the...
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE SCHOOL CLOSURES?
In a presentation to national parliament on 29 April 2020, the Department of Basic Education made a presentation with tentative dates for the reopening of schools across the country. These dates were not definite.
How do I apply for various types of social grants?
Find out more about applying for various types of social grants here. As from May 2020, Disability and Older Persons Grants will be paid from the 4th day of the month. All other grants will be paid from the 6th of every...
HOW DO I COMMENT ON THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 RISK ADJUSTED STRATEGY?
As per National Government’s statement on 25 April 2020- Request for comments: Schedule of services to be phased in as per the COVID-19 risk-adjusted strategy. On 25 April 2020, the National Government put in the public domain a draft...
Is the government offering any customs rebates or VAT exemptions on critical import supplies to importers? What is the process to apply for an import permit and rebate?
Yes, the Government is offering customs rebates and VAT exemptions on critical import supplies to importers. On 27 March 2020, the South African Revenue Services (“SARS”) announced that the importation of goods defined as...
DO I NEED TO UPDATE MY CIPC ESSENTIAL SERVICE CERTIFICATE, AND HOW DO I IT?
According to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Companies registered through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission's (CIPC) BizPortal to perform essential services during the lockdown period, will be required...
Can my business export wine during the National Lockdown?
This question has been updated for Level 4. Read question here.
I BELIEVE MY BUSINESS IS AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE BUT I AM NOT SURE, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Non-Compulsory Certification of Enterprises through the Bizportal: Enterprises may register for a CIPC Essential Service certificate on bizportal.gov.za Click on the SERVICES button Possession of a CIPC certificate does not constitute...
IF MY BUSINESS IS PERFORMING AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE, CAN MY STAFF CONTINUE TO WORK ON-SITE FOR THE DURATION OF THE LOCKDOWN?
This question has been updated, please click here to read the update.
WILL THE WESTERN CAPE VETERINARY EXPORT CERTIFICATION OFFICE REMAIN OPEN DURING THE LOCKDOWN?
Yes. In a statement on 30 March 2020, MEC of Agriculture in the Western Cape, Ivan Meyer, confirmed that the Western Cape Veterinary Export Certification Office would remain open during the lockdown. This follows the implementation of the...
I have an essential service but need funding/value chain assistance during this time
Should your business need specific assistance during or as a result of the lockdown period, please send an email to supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za with the specifics of your challenge and assistance required.
Can employers force employees to take paid leave during the COVID-19 lockdown period?
In a statement issued on 26 March 2020, the National Department of Employment and Labour has advised that the Basic Conditions of Employment Act allows employers to determine the time that employees can take their annual leave. Therefore, during...
We are busy harvesting, do we need to cease operations for the lockdown?
No, the Lockdown Regulations (Regulations issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act on 25 March 2020) were amended on 26 March 2020 to specifically include harvesting and storage activities as an essential service. According to...
Who can fill in the form for staff in companies that are performing an essential service?
Who can fill in the form for your staff, if your company is performing an essential or permitted service? Any person performing an essential or permitted service must be designated in writing by the head of an institution (or a person designated...
Where can I go to find out about registering my business as an essential service?
Follow this link to find out more. Link to bizportal website. The Bizportal website is now operational. Companies need to click on the Services tab and then on the COVID-19 tab. This will take them to a page where they need to register the...
What is listed as an essential service during the lockdown?
This question has been updated in line with the new regulations for Level 4. Click here to read what as listed as essential services during Level 4.
What is listed as an essential goods during the lockdown?
Based on the Disaster Management Act released 29 April 2020, this question is being updated. To read what are essential services under level 4 please click here
Can I move between provinces?
The Disaster Management Regulations issued on 29 April 2020, regulating Alert Level 4, state the following: Movement between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts are prohibited except for: For workers who have a permit to perform...
Are there any special conditions that would allow for a foreign national to enter the country during the lockdown?
In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that the cabinet member responsible for home affairs, or a person designated by him or her, may allow a person who requires to...
Can an enforcement officer stop me if I am outside my house during the lockdown?
In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that all persons performing essential services, obtaining essential goods or seeking medical attention, may be subjected to...
Can I attend a funeral during lockdown?
In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, it states that every gathering is prohibited, except for a funeral. In the case of a lockdown attendance at a funeral is limited to 50...
What activities am I allowed to leave my house for during the lockdown?
In the Regulations made in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act published on 25 March 2020, and amended on 2 April 2020, it states that every person is confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for the purpose of...
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
The Disaster Management Regulations issued on 18 and 25 March 2020 define isolation and quarantine as follows: ‘Isolation’ means separating a sick individual with a contagious disease from healthy individuals without that contagious...
Do the limitations placed on cross border travel apply to cross boarder trading too?
In the International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel) Directions, 2020, the loading and off-loading of air cargo in and out of certain International Airports is permitted. The following International Airports...
Are there domestic or international flights during the lockdown?
According to a statement made by Minister Fikile Mbalula in accordance with the National Lockdown, all domestic and international flights are prohibited irrespective of the risk category of the country of origin, during the lockdown...
Will cargo be affected by the travel restrictions?
In the International Air Services (COVID-19 Restrictions on the movement of air travel) Directions, 2020, the loading and off-loading of air cargo in and out of certain International Airports is permitted. The following International Airports...
I have a visitor visa that expires during lockdown, what should I do?
In the Directions issued by the Department of Home Affairs on 26 March 2020, a person whose visitor’s visa has reached its maximum validity period and is technically not renewable will be allowed to apply for the same visa with the same terms...
What is the duration of the school closures?
This question has been updated. Please click here to read the update.