Concerns over workers’ safety as companies re-open

There are concerns that not all companies have the capacity to protect their employees from COVID-19.

Between 1.3 and 1.5 million people are expected to return to work from Monday as the lockdown restrictions are eased.

Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Sunday advised businesses to conduct risk assessments before resuming operations.

He also said they should screen their workers for symptoms of COVID-19.

Labour analyst Mamokgethi Molopyane says some companies will have some challenges.

“It’s going to be difficult because not all the companies have the equipment. The health sector has it for screening people but companies do not have,” she adds.

“As the Minister was saying, it will be a little discomfort for some and he highlighted the importance of them spending to ensure that workers are safe and have masks and protective equipment,” explains Molopyane.

In the video below, Minister Thulas Nxesi addresses the nation on back-to-work-readiness:

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Eight new COVID-19 deaths recorded in SA with cases at 6 783

Meanwhile, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize  announced that eight more people have died due to the coronavirus, bringing the national death toll to 131.

He says 6 783 cases have been recorded, with 2 549 recoveries.

Active cases have risen by 489 bringing the total number up to 4 103.

South Africa’s infection rate is just 217 new infections shy of reaching 7000.

The increase in deaths is recorded from the Eastern Cape with 4 and both Gauteng and Western Cape recording 2 each.

The graphic below outlines the Level 4 lockdown restrictions