Alert Level 3: An appeal to employers and employees to maintain Covid-19 safety

Tomorrow (1 June 2020), we move to Alert Level 3 which is welcomed as an opportunity to begin to breathe new life into the economy in the Western Cape. However, for us to ensure that businesses remain open and more people get back to work, it is important that all employers and employees adhere to the critical safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.

Importantly, if employees can continue to work from home they must do so. Staying at home ensures that those who can’t work from home can return to work safely as the number of people on public transport and in the workplace are reduced and social distancing can be maintained.

We have a number of valuable resources for employers and employees returning to work, which can be found on the Western Cape government’s website.

For employers:

• Read our health guidelines on preventing and managing Covid-19 infections in the workplace: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections
• Download our Covid-19 safety information materials for the workplace such as posters, decals and checklists: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/resources
• Find Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers through our PPE marketplace: supportbusiness.co.za/marketplace
• NEW! Report a positive case of Covid-19 in your workplace to the Western Cape Department of Health with this online form: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/reporting-covid-19-workplace

For employees:

• NEW! Read our FAQs on how you can stay safe in the workplace, and what your employer needs to do to ensure your safety:  coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/employees/frequently-asked-questions-employees
• Report businesses that are not following the necessary health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 using this online form: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-business-safety-complaint-form

Complaints about non-compliant businesses made to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism using the online form, will be dealt with as a matter of urgency. Where we can assist and advise businesses to implement these necessary safety measures, we will do so, but where there are serious violations of the safety measures these will be reported to the Department of Employment and Labour with a request for immediate action which may include temporary closure of the business.

And finally, please remember the five golden rules:

1. Work from home if you can or if you are feeling unwell
2. Practice social distancing and stay 1.5 metres from others
3. Wash or sanitise hands regularly
4. Practice good hygiene
5. Wear face masks or a face covering when in public

For any questions on implementing safety guidelines in the workplace, businesses can email us at supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za

We will all have to pull together, and we will all have to work together, in the coming days, and weeks, and months because, in the end, it is up to all of us to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the Western Cape.