- Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says most industries are operating.
- Workers in the hospitality and alcohol industries are affected by the current lockdown restrictions.
- Police Minister Bheki Cele says since March 2020, 465 098 people have been charged for contravening lockdown regulations.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says the current adjusted Level 4 lockdown restrictions are about saving lives and protecting people's livelihoods.
Speaking at the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) on Covid-19 press briefing on Tuesday, Dlamini-Zuma said: "Under this gazetted Level 4, work is permitted in most industries, so the livelihoods are being protected whilst we are trying to save lives. So most people will be going to work because all the industries, except a few, will be operating."
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Those prohibited from operating in the next two weeks included cinemas, gyms and the liquor industry. Restaurants were only allowed to sell takeaway meals. The industries were concerned closures might mean an end to their businesses.
Dlamini-Zuma said:
Minister of Labour and Employment Thulas Nxesi said that since the pandemic started last year, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) had distributed R60 billion to over 500 million laid-off workers through the Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) benefits.
He said in response to the latest adjusted Level 4 lockdown restrictions, "the UIF management has been locked in discussions with the actuaries to find the surplus monies, to address the new conditions".
Restrictions
Minister of Police Bheki Cele said while the police would intensify patrols during the 14 days, their aim was not to unnecessarily arrest citizens.
"Security forces have their work cut out for them. I, however, want to assure the country that while law enforcement is up to the task, their aim is not to arrest and criminalise people en masse."
He said since President Cyril Ramaphosa first put the country under lockdown last year, 465 098 people had been charged with contravention of the Disaster Management Act. Of those, 7 439 were arrested during the recent adjusted Level 3 lockdown.
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Dlamini-Zuma said Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga would expand on the school situation, with closing dates being brought forward.
"It is still very important to ensure that in the public buildings, those who manage those public buildings or own those public buildings, make sure that people wear masks, that there is social distancing, and sanitising, including at ATMs."
