South African President, Ramaphosa announces gradual reopening of economy despite high COVID-19 cases, deaths

Most South African businesses will be allowed to re-open at the end of this month, under draft government proposals to revive the economy after a two-month lockdown.

The proposals are contained in a draft document prepared for discussion by the National Coronavirus Command Council, a source said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa held talks with representatives of various sectors over the past two weeks as the government and industry engage on how to reopen the economy. Business activity was shut down across the country on March 27 to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

According to findings on worldometer, South Africa has 22,583 COVID-19 cases with 489 deaths.

Meanwhile, legislators are grappling with the plans just as the country moves into winter, when models suggest Covid-19 most easily spreads. The discussions have led to multiple amendments of what will and won’t be allowed when restrictions are eased. What Mr Ramaphosa announces may differ from the draft proposals.

Mr Ramaphosa’s spokeswoman, Khusela Diko, referred questions to the Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs Ministry, whose spokeswoman Lungi Mtshali said she hadn’t seen the document and declined to comment. Trade & Industry Ministry spokesman Sidwell Medupe didn’t respond to a request for comment sent by text message.

Other proposed changes to the regulations include having businesses with more than 50 employees stagger working hours to help limit public-transport congestion and workplace crowding. Anyone able to work from home must do so.

For construction and manufacturing businesses, all companies with more than 500 employees must either provide transport to their employees or stagger shift arrangements.

Public gatherings remain banned, although some rules may be relaxed. For instance, rules on exercising have been relaxed, so long as it doesn’t take place in organised groups and social distancing is maintained.

Professional, non-contact sports matches will be permitted and may include match officials, medical and television crew and two journalists.

Funeral attendance is limited to 50 people and night vigils are prohibited. Travel by people from areas that may be on higher lockdown-alert levels will be limited to direct family members and a permit will be required.

Hotels, casinos, restaurants, gyms, churches and other places normally open to the public remain closed, however. Beaches and public parks will be allowed open for exercise purposes, but facilities such as exercise equipment, playgrounds or ablutions will be closed.

Hospital and prison visits will still be prohibited, and at-risk groups such as the over-60s and those with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are encouraged to continue self-isolating and to only leave home for exceptional circumstances.