CAPE TOWN, May 4 (NNN-BUANEWS) – The South African government, on Sunday, announced strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces, before the partial resumption of business.
Employers must take measures to protect the health and safety of everyone in their workplaces, Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, said.
With regard to social distancing, workplaces must be arranged to ensure a minimum of 1.5 metres between workers, Nxesi said.
“If this is not practicable, physical barriers must be erected and workers must be supplied, free of charge, with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE),” he said.
Social distancing must be implemented in all common areas in and around the workplace, to prevent crowding, including working spaces, canteens, meeting rooms, Nxesi said.
Workers must wear masks at work and employers must also require members of the public entering a workplace to wear masks, said Nxesi.
Employers must provide each employee, free of charge, with at least two cloth masks to wear, while at work or commuting, he said.
They must also provide sufficient quantities of hand sanitiser, with at least 70-percent alcohol content, ensure that work surfaces, equipment and common areas such as toilets, door handles and shared equipment be regularly cleaned and disinfected, said Nxesi.
The minister made the announcement one day before the partial return to workplaces on Monday (today), when about 1.5 million people will return to work. The country moved to stage four of a nationwide lock-down on May 1, down from stage five.
The government said that the easing of the lock-down will be a carefully phased process based on risk assessment and the necessary levels of preparation.
In addition to social distancing, a prevention direction announced by Nxesi requires employers to screen workers for symptoms of COVID-19 at the time they report for work.
“Workers should immediately inform the employer, if they experience any symptoms while at work, Nxesi said.
Workers with symptoms must be placed in isolation and arrangements made for their safe transport for a medical examination or for self-isolation, he said.
Labour inspectors are empowered to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the direction, said the minister.
An employer who does not comply with the direction may be ordered to close their business, he said.
Failure to take the necessary measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 may result in criminal prosecution, Nxesi warned.
South Africa saw a sharp rise in infections involving workers at workplaces, particularly shopping malls. In Cape Town alone, five shopping malls had been closed, following outbreaks at the malls over the past few days.– NNN-BUANEWS
