DURBAN - Business bodies have called on the government to ease lockdown restrictions to level 2 as soon as possible, or face disastrous economic and social consequences.
On Monday Minister of Small Business and Development Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced that as part of opening more sectors, the country may move to an ‘advanced level 3 lockdown’.
According to the Minister, businesses that are likely to reopen include Tattoo studios, hairdressers, nail parlours, make-up technicians, and body massage services
Speaking in an interview with local television channel eNCA, Ntshavheni said the government isn’t convinced that the country is ready to take a full leap forward towards level 2, and this is their attempt at a compromise.
“Already, when the president announced the move to level 3, he announced what he called the advanced level 3, which will include sit-down restaurants and also the opening up of personal care services. The protocols are ready – including the rules for sit-down restaurants, hair salons, massage and other personal care services. We are ready to open it up,” she said.
Under advanced alert level 3, the following businesses will be able to open their doors:
Sit down restaurants, informal restaurants at taxi ranks and office parks, and street food vendors (with extreme safety measures in place that include constant sanitation, physical distancing and staff Covid-19 checks mandatory for all businesses).
Hairdressers, also subject to strict sanitation and physical distancing protocols.
Tattoo Studios, subject to strict sanitation and physical distancing protocols.
Nail parlours, make-up technicians and body massage services, subject to strict sanitation and physical distancing protocols.
“The impact on the economy was severe and we went to the cabinet after the survey was done and said we don’t have enough relief measures to support small businesses,” said Ntshaveni.
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