South Africa entered into a Nationwide Lockdown on 26th March 2020, the lockdown is said to continue until 30th April 2020. The lockdown is aimed at reducing the rate of infection of the COVID-19 virus.
What is a National Lockdown
A National Lockdown is a disaster management technique, aimed to curb the rapidly spreading infectious COVID-19 or commonly known as Coronavirus. With 20% of the global population currently in some form of lockdown, South Africa has followed suit as of midnight 26th March.
Initially the Nationwide Lockdown would occur from Midnight 26th March to Midnight 16th April. However since the latest announcement from President Ramaphosa the lockdown has been extended by 14 days.
“This evening, I stand before you to ask you to endure even longer. I have to ask you to make even greater sacrifices so that our country may survive this crisis and so that tens of thousands of lives may be saved.
After careful consideration of the available evidence, the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided to extend the nation-wide lockdown by a further two weeks beyond the initial 21 days.
This means that most of the existing lockdown measures will remain in force until the end of April.”
- Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa
- Nationwide Lockdown Midnight 26th March - Midnight 30th April
The lockdown will restrict our movements, this means we are to remain in our homes and only leave when absolutely necessary - to resupply on food or medicine, visit the doctor or hospital or collect a government grant.
If you suspect yourself or a loved one of being infected with COVID-19 -> Click Here
Those working in essential services are allowed to travel to and from work in very controlled circumstances.
Read the official Act governing and outlining the rules and regulations during the lockdown.
This period will be enforced by both Law Enforcement and our National Defence Forces. Those outside during the lockdown without valid cause will be punished by either jail time and or a fine.
Where Can I Go During the Lockdown
A National Lockdown means our movements will be controlled and limited for our own protection.
Stores will have new operating hours to correspond with the outlining allocated movement times set out by President Ramaphosa. Stores are to operate daily from 8am - 6pm. We are encouraged to only be out during these allocated times, certain exceptions will be made for those performing essential services.
General Population will have access to:
- Stores selling Essential Goods
- Pharmacy
- Supermarket
- Local Produce Shop
- ATM & Banks
- Police Stations
- Government Offices deemed Essential Services
- Medical Institutes
- Hospital
- Doctor
- Clinic
- Fuel Station / Refuel on Gas
The general population will be allowed to leave their homes, one household member at a time, for no longer than 1 hour to resupply on essential goods, seek medical attention and or collect a government grant.
Please Note: Retain all receipts as if you are stopped by the police you can justify being out!
Dependants are advised to collect SASSA grants on behalf of the elderly in their care to avoid having our most venerable out and about during this critical time. Be sure to have a signed affidavit allowing you to be collecting on someone else's behalf.
Traveling & Transport During The Lockdown
Movement between provinces is strictly prohibited, obligatory mass gatherings such as funerals will be limited to 50 person max with strict safety measures enforced.
All forms of public transport will be operational for those needing to go to the store for essentials and those working in essential services during the lockdown, however it will be under controlled conditions. (Limit to passengers in taxis - to avoid over crowding).
This period will be enforced by both Law Enforcement and our National Defence Forces. Those outside during the lockdown without valid cause will be punished by either jail time and or a fine. Various roadblocks and checkpoints will be set up to enforce the lockdown regulations.
Emergency Contacts During Lockdown
Local governing bodies have made emergency services and organisations available to the pubic during this pandemic.
- Corona Virus National Hotline:
- 0800 029 999
- WhatsApp "Hi" to 060 012 3456
- South African Police: 08600 10111
- National Crisis Line: 0861 322 322
- Department of Water: 0800 200 200
- Department of Home Affairs: 0800 601 190
- Presidential Hotline: 17737
Cape Town Hotlines
- Corona Virus Hotline:
- 021 928 4102
- City Of Cape Town (Water, Sewerage, Electricity, Fire & Rescue, LE)
- 0860 103 089
- SPCA (Animal welfare and Control)
- 083 326 1604
Johannesburg Hotlines
- Corona Virus Hotline:
- 0800 029 999
- City of Johannesburg (Water, Sewerage, Electricity, Fire & Rescue, LE)
- 0860 562 874
- SPCA
- 011 681 3600
Pretoria Hotlines
- Corona Virus Hotline:
- 0800 029 999
- City of Pretoria / Tshwane Municipality (Water, Sewerage, Electricity, Fire & Rescue, LE)
- 0800 029 999
- SPCA:
- 012 803 5219
Durban Hotlines
- Corona Virus Hotline:
- 0800 029 999
- City Of Durban / Ethekwini Municipality (Water, Sewerage, Electricity, Fire & Rescue, LE)
- 031 311 1111
- SPCA (Animal welfare and Control)
- 031 579 6500
STTMM Program Roll Out
On the 30th of March, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the roll out of the Screening, Testing, Tracing, Medical Management Program during a national address of the nation.
This program will carry a 10k strong work force, the field workers will visit every city, village, informal settlement, town and community to screen residents for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Those untested showing symptoms will be referred to Clinics or Hospitals
- Those infected with mild to moderate symptoms will remain in isolation at home or a nearby facility.
- Those infected showing severe symptoms will be transferred to hospital immediately.
Please Note: All field workers will carry ID badges and be dressed in matching t-shirts and wearing personal protective gear with a police escort.
You may conduct your screening in your front yard at a safe social distance!
Essential Services
During the lockdown certain businesses and services will be allowed to operate. Those classified as essential services can apply for their CIPC certificate - issued by the Commissioner of Companies & Intellectual Property Commission.
Essential Services Operating During The Lockdown:
- Police (All law enforcement departments)
- Postal Services
- Disaster Management
- Home Affairs (Birth / Death certificates, Replacement ID)
- Wildlife Management ( Anti-poaching, Animal Care and Veterinary services)
- Newspapers / Media
- Production or Sale of essential goods
- Sanitation, Sewerage & Waste
- Financial Services
- Medical Services (including Mental Health) - Hospitals, Clinics, Labs
- Essential functioning of courts
- Essential SARS services
- Private security services
- Air-traffic Navigation
- Accommodation - Rendering essential services, quarantine, isolation & the lockdown
- Public Transport (Under strict regulations)
- Commissioners of the South African Human Rights Commission
- Transport and logistics - Of essential goods
Businesses are firmly urged to have employees work from home unless they form part of the essential services - these services are exempt from lockdown movement restrictions. Employees are asked to carry letters with company stamps for their movements during the lockdown.
More Information on Essential Services -> Click Here
What Are Essential Goods
Essential goods are classified as products and produce we need in order to survive. Essentials are NEEDS and not WANTS this is evident with online shopping, as many retailers have limited their product line during the lockdown.
If you are ordering essential goods online please do not stress that you will not be able to receive them, various courier services are operational as long as they are transporting essential goods.
Essential goods are classified as the following:
- Food - Any non alcoholic food product(s) or packaging & Animal food
- Medical - Hospitals & Medical Supplies / Equipment
- Cleaning & Hygiene Products - Sanitisers, disinfectant soaps, alcohol for industrial use, Female sanitary products, toilet paper & condoms
- Fuel (Gas & Coal)
- Basic Goods (Electricity & Airtime)
Buying Essentials Online During the Lockdown
Sometimes the thought of heading out of the sanitised security of your home can be scary, for those looking to buy essential good online their are a number of e-commerce stores in operation throughout the lockdown.
Autosupply
The online e-commerce store has taken initiative to provide South Africans both in private and business sectors with quality medical products at affordable prices.
- Medical Supplies - Hand Sanitisers, Face Masks, Respirators, Gloves
- Website: Click Here
Pick n Pay
Pick n Pay have an array of online options, from deliver to click and collect. Located nationwide.
- Food & Essential Goods
- Website: Click Here
Checkers
Checkers Food Services have launched a 60min shopping app offering free delivery (T&C apply)
- Food & Essential Goods
- Website: Click Here
ShopRite
From ShopRite favourites you know and love to brand names you trust, delivered right to your door.
- Food & Essential Goods
- Website: Click Here
Woolworths Food
The quality you have come to enjoy and love delivered to your doorstep, along with other leading brands.
- Food & Essential Goods
- Website: Click Here
Eating Out During the Lockdown
Various small businesses and locally run establishments have adjusted the way they operate during the lockdown. Offering a variety of alternatives to an eat out meal.
Contact your local favourite eateries and find out how they are managing operations and providing customers with ready made meal options during the lockdown.
Frequently Asked Questions - Lockdown
The internet has both connected and educated us however it doesn't come without its disadvantages. There is a lot of confusion as to what rules apply to South Africa's lockdown. There are the commonly asked questions South Africans are wondering about.
What will I be able to do and not do under lockdown?
You will be allowed to:
- Seek medical care / Visit the pharmacy
- Buy essential goods
- Access banking and other essential services
- Get petrol / Diesel
- Collect a social grant
- Attend a Funeral
You will NOT be allowed to:
- Travel between the provinces
- Travel between the CBD area and other areas of the Western Cape
- Leave South Africa
Who is allowed to go to work?
Those who form part of essential services and or the production of essential services are permitted to go to work.
Can I walk my dog, jog or cycle during the lockdown?
No, you are only allowed to leave your home to walk your dog, cycle or jog.
Should I stock up on supplies?
No, the government has urged us to not stockpile as food and basic goods will be available throughout the lockdown.
When will schools reopen?
The national Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, has said that we do not currently know when schools will reopen.
Will I be able to buy alcohol and cigarettes?
There will be no alcohol or cigarettes available for sale.
What will happen to me if I don't obey the lockdown?
Those caught disobeying the lockdown regulations will face jail time not exceeding 6 months and or a fine.
I bought tickets to an event, what will happen to my tickets?
As the entertainment industry is taking a massive strain event organisers have made individual statements with the majority of them honouring the already purchased tickets to the future event(s).
Contact the event company or ticketing house about the refund policy that have in place.
What will happen after the 3 week lockdown?
At this point we are unsure. What you can do is follow local and national government announcements on COVID-19 and our nation.
We urge you, our readers to abide by the rules set out by our government and remain indoors, practice safe hygiene and remain strong during this troubling time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you South Africa.
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