Covid-19 Lockdown Frequently Asked Questions - Agri SA

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Covid-19 Lockdown Frequently Asked Questions - Agri SA
Covid-19 Lockdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Covid-19 Lockdown Frequently Asked Questions - Agri SA
6 April 2020
                           Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

     Disclaimer: This document is a guideline of best practices and a living document. The
     opinions expressed are in good faith and while every care has been taken in preparing
     these answers to frequently asked questions, Agri SA makes no representations and gives
     no warranties of whatever nature in respect of these responses, including but not limited
     to the accuracy or completeness of any information, facts and/or opinions contained
     therein. Agri SA, its affiliates, the directors, and employees cannot be held liable for the
     use of and reliance on the opinions contained in these documents. Members are
     encouraged to take all possible precautions to protect themselves and their employees
     from the coronavirus and to ensure that they comply with the law. It must be noted that
     regulations are amended and new regulations are still being promulgated, therefore this
     information is subject to change.

              Question                                             Answer
1.    Do our workers need permits       Yes. A permit to perform essential services is required. This permit
      to travel to and from the farm?   is in GNR 398 in Government Gazette, number 43148, Vol. 657
                                        published on March 25, 2020. Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form 1
                                        in Appendix C. This pro forma document has been published by the
                                        government and Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that can
                                        also be used.
2.    Are rotational staff allowed to   Yes, subject to presentation of an employer / business permit letter
      leave farms between shifts        and an identity document. In terms of Regulation 11C (2) of GNR 398
      and will public transport be      of 25 March 2020, the employer must make the necessary transport
      allowed to transport them?        arrangements. In the case of a taxi or bus, 70% of the licensed
capacity of the vehicle may not be exceeded, and 60% in the case of
                                     a private vehicle.
3.   Can the informal traders        Yes, it is considered an essential service. Refer to GNR 399 in
     continue to trade food          Government Gazette, number 43147 of March 25, 2020 (section
     products?                       6.5.2 (a) (vi)) see also GNR. 446 Government Gazette, No. 43199 of
                                     April 2, 2020 which further requires that the informal trader must
                                     obtain written permission from a municipal authority to trade.
4.   What happens to farmworkers     If the farming activity is food production or is involved in harvesting
     during the 21-day lockdown?     and storage essential to prevent the wastage of primary agricultural
                                     products, the worker can continue working as this is deemed an
                                     essential service. (refer to GNR 419 Government Gazette, number
                                     43168 of 26 March 2020 - Appendix B to the regulations).
5.   Can farmworkers move to and     Yes, if you are involved in food production or harvesting and storage
     from the workplace?             of primary agricultural products to prevent wastage, subject to
                                     presenting an employer / business permit letter as well as an identity
                                     document. A permit to perform essential services is required. This
                                     permit is in GNR 398 in Government Gazette, number 43148, Vol.
                                     657 published on March 25, 2020. Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form
                                     1 in Appendix C. This pro forma document has been published by
                                     the government and Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that
                                     can also be used.
6.   How do I repair equipment
                                     Support services to essential businesses are deemed an essential
     without buying new spares?
                                     service so one should still be able to access this service.
7.   Can testing for the
     coronavirus be done on a farm
     if an employee displays any     If the employer has a thermometer/screening instrument available at
     symptoms?                       their disposal, they may conduct screening tests at work.
If an employee has a high temperature, they should be isolated. The
                                       hotline number 0800 029 999 must be called immediately if someone
                                       is suspected of carrying the virus.
8.   Where do we get masks and         Masks are not necessary, but a necessary precautionary measure
     is the employer liable if staff   for all workers and management deemed essential. According to
     are transported without           the World Health Organisation: If you are healthy, you only need to
     masks?                            wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with the suspected
                                       2019-nCoV infection. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
                                       Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent
                                       hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you
                                       wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it
                                       properly
9.   Are we able to travel freely to   Yes, subject to presentation of a permit to perform essential services
     take produce to market?           and an identity document. This permit is in GNR 398 in Government
                                       Gazette, number 43148, Vol. 657 published on March 25, 2020.
                                       Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form 1 in Appendix C. This pro forma
                                       document has been published by the government and Agri SA has
                                       developed a similar pro forma that can also be used.
10. Do we require permits to           Yes. A permit to perform essential services is required. This permit
     move/travel to our suppliers?     is in GNR 398 in Government Gazette, number 43148, Vol. 657
                                       published on March 25, 2020. Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form 1
                                       in Appendix C. This pro forma document has been published by the
                                       government and Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that can
                                       also be used.
11. How do we go about getting         Contact your local farmers’ association. A Permit to Perform
     authorisation for essential       Essential Services (Regulation 11b (3) pro forma) is published in the
members of staff to travel to     Government Gazette, No. 43147 Vol. 657 of 25 March 2020. Agri SA
    and from our farm?                has developed a similar pro forma that can also be used
12. Can I keep my business open       Support services to essential businesses are deemed an essential
    to provide a service to the       service and should be able to continue.
    agriculture sector by supplying
    tractors and implement spares
    to the farmer and mechanics?
13. How do farmers continue to        By practising social distancing and good hygiene as communicated
    keep the operation running        by Agri SA.
    without any physical contact
    with others?
14. How does one honour
    financial monthly                 There will be UIF and PAYE relief, we expect more information from
    commitments?                      the government as time progresses.
15. Are co-ops also on lockdown?      No, it is deemed an essential service so one should still be able to
                                      access this service.
16. I need to buy a new tyre for
    my truck because it is            This is deemed an essential service so one should still be able to
    irreparable?                      access this service.
17. Are people able to buy live       It is considered an essential service, so this service may still be
    chickens and produce off-         provided. GNR. 446 Government Gazette, No. 43199 of April 2,
    farm?                             2020, requires that an informal trader obtain written permission from
                                      a municipal authority.
18. Will my suppliers be allowed      This is deemed an essential service so you should still be able to
    to open?                          access this service. Perhaps contact your supplier and make the
                                      necessary arrangements with them.
19. Dairy farm priority?                This is deemed an essential service. Introduce sound bio-security
                                        principles on the farm. Also, you could assist with a permit to perform
                                        essential services for collection.
20. Can small forestry operations       Yes, they are deemed as an essential service as they produce
     (about 5 people) continue          packaging for food and toilet paper amongst others. Harvesting and
     during the lockdown                storage activities essential to prevent wastage of primary agricultural
                                        goods is also considered essential services.
21. Government assistance to
     reduce state levies i.e.: SDL,
     WCA, Water levies, rates and       There will be UIF and PAYE relief, we expect more information from
     taxes?                             the government as time progresses.
22. How do I sell green mealies'        It is considered an essential service. Maintain sound biosecurity
     off the farm'?                     principles on the farm. The farmer can also assist with a Permit to
                                        Perform Essential Services for collection. See also GNR. 446
                                        Government Gazette, No. 43199 of April 2, 2020 which further
                                        requires that the informal trader obtain written permission from a
                                        municipal authority.
23. Does the State have any             All possible interventions are being considered at this time.
     plans to help distribute healthy
     food to people that don’t have
     the resources to access
     enough to keep as healthy as
     possible?
24. Transportation of staff             Only to farms that produce food or are engaged in activities deemed
                                        to be harvesting and storage of primary agricultural products to
                                        prevent wastage, subject to the submission of a Permit to Perform
                                        Essential Services of the Employer / Business, as well as an ID
document. In terms of Regulation 11C (2), the employer must make
                                       the necessary arrangements. Private vehicles must not exceed 60%
                                       of the licensed capacity and that all directions regarding hygienic
                                       conditions and the restriction of exposure of persons to COVID-19
                                       are complied with, see Regulation 11C (4) of GNR. 446 Government
                                       Gazette, Number 43199 of 2 April 2020.
25. 3 farms in different areas. Can    Yes, regulation 11 B (1) (a) (iii) in GNR. 446 Government Gazette,
      I travel between / to them &     No. 43199 of April 2, 2020, prohibits movement between provinces
      possibly with labour /           and between metropolitan and district areas except—
      equipment?                       (aa) for essential workers traveling to and from work. Police have
                                       confirmed that travel to provide essential products and services
                                       across provincial borders and between metros and district
                                       municipalities is permissible.
26. Will the government follow         The international best practice is being considered.
      other successful countries and
      specifically advocate milk
      consumption to help increase
      people’s immunity?
27.                                    Forestry is considered an essential service. For vegetable seedlings,
                                       a Permit to Perform Essential Services is required. This permit is in
                                       GNR 398 in Government Gazette, number 43148, Vol. 657 published
                                       on March 25, 2020. Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form 1 in Appendix
      Transportation of forestry and   C. This pro forma document has been published by the government
      vegetable seedlings              and Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that can also be used.
28. What happens to livestock          Should continue, please contact your local SAPS/security company
      theft patrols?                   for more information.
29. Will farmers/reservists still be    Subject to schedule B (number 18) of the regulations and registered
     able to drive patrols?             as a farm watch with PSIRA (schedule B (20) of the regulations).
30. Will a curfew be set up in the      There are no regulations regarding clock rules. People can expect
     evenings that anyone moving        to be stopped by the SAPS / SANDF during the containment period.
     around may be stopped by           However, there are restrictions on times when taxis and public
     SAPS / SANDF?                      transport may move.
31. If a farmer lives in the city and   Yes, regulation 11 B (1) (a) (iii) in GNR. 446 Government Gazette,
    has to drive to the farm every      No. 43199 of April 2, 2020, prohibits movement between provinces
    day - will he be able to do         and between metropolitan and district areas except—
    that?                               (aa) for essential workers traveling to and from work.
32. Farmworkers living in villages      If the farm is involved in food production or activities that are deemed
     that need to be transported        harvesting and storage of primary agricultural produce to prevent
     back daily or on weekends?         wastage, then workers will be allowed to move under strict rules.
                                        Farmers will likely need to provide transport within the framework of
                                        the regulations. We suggest that members make use of the permit
                                        to perform essential services mentioned in point 1. We do not
                                        recommend that accommodation be provided now, due to ESTA
                                        implications.
33. How will contract workers be        If the farm is involved in food production or harvesting or storage of
    handled to bring in critical        primary agricultural products to prevent wastage, the contract
    harvests?                           workers are treated the same as any other worker.
34. What about the worker who           If the farm is involved in food production or harvesting or storage of
    works out of the "township" –       primary agricultural products to prevent wastage, and the worker can
    May he come to work? If not,        get to work he must come to work. There is no legal obligation to pay
    he should be paid even if he is     employees who are not working. The employer’s obligation to pay
    sitting at home? If he must be      arises from the employee’s ability and willingness to tender services.
    paid what about the workers         During the national lockdown period, the employees cannot and may
who live on the farm and goes      not work – not because the employer requires that they do not work,
    on with work? They will receive    but because of the lockdown order issued by the government. (This
    the same salary at the end of      situation is different from the case where the employer requires the
    the month even if one did not      employee not to be at work because of a reasonable apprehension
    work. (Big problems one on the     of harm in that the employee had been in contact with someone who
    farm still has to do the other's   tested positive for Covid-19 or presents with flu-like symptoms. Here
    work)                              it is the employer that requires the employee to be absent based on
                                       the employer’s duty to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
                                       In these circumstances, the absence should be paid, unless agreed
                                       otherwise.)

                                       As regards employees who cannot work during the lock-down period,
                                       of course, if the employer can afford to pay the employee, it may
                                       decide to do so, and pay her/his full remuneration or a portion thereof
                                       as a “lockdown allowance” of sorts; or grant the employee a loan to
                                       be recovered in due course. It is also permissible to require the
                                       employees to take (paid) annual leave. It is well-established in terms
                                       of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act that where an employer
                                       and employee cannot agree on the time when the employee would
                                       take leave, the employer may determine the time when the employee
                                       will take leave. It is accordingly permissible for employers to require
                                       that employees take their annual leave during the lockdown period.
                                       This is a sensible way to ensure that the employee is paid during this
                                       time.

35. Request for the regulations        We're not going to be able to translate the regulations ourselves, but
    and provisions in the workers'     suggest our members do what we did: Ask a first-language speaker
    language, please.                  to translate and distribute. We will also distribute all translations.
36. What rules and requirements       Transportation must be provided. In terms of Regulation 11C (2), the
    will apply in respect of          employer must make the necessary transport arrangements. A
    transport and accommodation       permit to perform essential services will be required. If the farmer
    of those workers who do not       himself provides transport (private vehicle) may not carry more than
    normally live on farms?           60% of the licensed capacity and that all directions regarding
                                      hygienic conditions and the restriction of exposure of persons to
                                      COVID-19 are complied with, see Regulation 11C (4) of GNR. 446
                                      Government Gazette, No. 43199 of April 2, 2020. We do not
                                      recommend that accommodation be provided now because of its
                                      ESTA implications.
37. Under what rules and              This is deemed an essential service. Institute sound bio-security
    conditions may livestock          principles on the farm. Social distancing should be practiced and not
    auctions continue?                more than 100 people. If any additional regulation comes into effect,
                                      it will be shared ASAP
38. Are there any farming             All farming activities that are not food production, processing or
    activities that are excluded      distribution, or harvesting and storage of primary agricultural
    under essential food              products to prevent wastage, are excluded.
    production, processing or
    distribution?
39. How do we handle work             We asked the Department of Labour for clarity, if legal foreign
    permits, from legal foreign       workers have a valid working permit and a permit letter from the
    workers, that expire during the   employer/business this should suffice, we cannot confirm the
    period of restriction?            renewals of permits during this period.
40. What powers does a local          In terms of section 14 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002, the
    authority and / or district       Head of the National Disaster Management Centre may delegate
    municipality have to issue        any of the powers assigned to it to the municipal Disaster
    additional regulations?           Management Centre. This is subject to limitations imposed by the
National Centre. Each case may need to be taken up with the
                                      National Disaster Management Center.
41. How would we address              All workers in essential businesses should continue working.
     contract workers, such as
     shaving/shearing teams or
     harvesting teams?
42. Which secondary agricultural      Only activities related to the production, processing and distribution
     businesses are excluded from     of food, animal feed, packaging for food and chemicals used in the
     the restriction on movement?     food and the harvesting and storage of primary agricultural produce
                                      to prevent wastage, are allowed.
43. What is the possibility of        Employers who can continue paying employees should do so.
     claiming a portion of wages      Please see the attached TERS guide for more information in cases
     paid to workers who stay at      where employers need assistance.
     home during that time from
     the state?
44. Is the production of animal      In terms of the amended regulations, all primary agricultural goods
     fibre, wool and mohair          may be harvested and stored to avoid wastage. Government Gazette
     considered as an essential      no.: 43168 issued on 26 March 2020
     service?
45. If employees refuse to work,
     can the principle of no work no If employees do not want to come to work for fear of infection, then
     pay be enforced?                the circumstances of the workplace must be taken into account
                                     before deciding on an appropriate reaction. If the refusal to work is
                                     unreasonable, disciplinary action may be considered but disciplinary
                                     steps should be a last resort and must be carefully considered before
                                     implemented.
46. Transportation of employees:      The one-by-one rule will apply and stores will also apply crowd
    specifications/guidelines /       control (social distancing). The regulations are likely to provide
    measures for the purchase of      further clarity. For more clarity, refer to the retail sector regulations
    e.g. food and household           published on March 25, 2020. If the farmer himself provides transport
    necessities?                      (private vehicle) may not carry more than 60% of the licensed
                                      capacity and that all directions regarding hygienic conditions and the
                                      restriction of exposure of persons to COVID-19 are complied with,
                                      see Regulation 11C (4) of GNR. 446 Government Gazette, Number
                                      43199 of 2 April 2020.
47. Transport of employees from       Employers are likely to have to provide transportation. Please note
     town to farm and back?           the requirements for this as required by the Department of Transport.
                                      If the farmer himself provides transport (private vehicle) may not carry
                                      more than 60% of the licensed capacity and that all directions
                                      regarding hygienic conditions and the restriction of exposure of
                                      persons to COVID-19 are complied with, see Regulation 11C (4) of
                                      GNR. 446 Government Gazette, Number 43199 of April 2, 2020
48. Transport of raw products         Yes deemed as an essential service. Harvesting and storage
     from farm to processing plant?   activities essential to prevent the wastage of primary agricultural
                                      goods Government Gazette no.: 43168 issued on 26 March 2020
49. List of agricultural related      Government Gazette, No. 43147, Vol. 657 on 25 March 2020
    activities excluded from          outlines essential services and goods. The amended regulations
    lockdown?                         provide for harvesting and storage activities essential to prevent the
                                      wastage of primary agricultural goods see Government Gazette no.:
                                      43168 issued on 26 March 2020
50. Can the drought relief program    The drought program must continue as farmers depend on the
    continue?                         donations to produce which is, therefore, an essential service.
51. Will it be possible for citrus     Yes, this is deemed an essential service
      farmers to go ahead with their
      harvesting process because
      they need a large number of
      seasonal labour? This labour
      will need to be transported
      over great distances.
52.                                    Yes. A permit to perform essential services is required. This permit
                                       is in GNR 398 in Government Gazette, number 43148, Vol. 657
      Would migrant movement still
                                       published on March 25, 2020. Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form 1
      be allowed, or must the staff
                                       in Appendix C. This pro forma document has been published by the
      be on lock-down on-farm?
                                       government and Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that can
                                       also be used.
53. Will livestock sales be            This is deemed an essential service.
      permitted to continue?
54. Can trucks picking up labour       A Permit to Perform Essential Services: A Regulation 11b (3) pro
      continue and will the trucks     forma is published in Government Gazette, No. 43147, Vol. 657 of
      and the labourer’s have a        March 25, 2020. Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that can
      permit to allow freedom of       be used. If the farmer himself provides transport (private vehicle)
      movement?                        may not carry more than 60% of the licensed capacity and that all
                                       directions regarding hygienic conditions and the restriction of
                                       exposure of persons to COVID-19 are complied with, see Regulation
                                       11C (4) of GNR. 446 Government Gazette, number 43199 of 2 April
                                       2020. See also letter by Agri SA dated 1 April 2020 setting out the
                                       requirements for transport of workers.
55. Export of Agricultural             This is deemed an essential service and can continue.
      Products?
56. What happens in the event             A workplace in agriculture does not constitute a "gathering" and is
     where a farm employs more            exempt, however, hygiene measures need to be strict. There is no
     than 100 people?                     point carrying on with business as usual until someone becomes ill,
                                          we need to preach prevention.
57. Can institutions provide fuel,        It may continue. However, they must have a Permit to Perform
    seed and fertilizer to                Essential Services.
    producers?
58. Water shortages that are              All reasonable practices concerning hygiene and sanitation should
     affecting many towns in              be employed. Where possible, hand sanitiser should be used.
     Limpopo are causing
     residents not to sanitise
59. Can we have a                         One of the categories of potential exemptions from property rates in
     waiver/reduction of Property         terms of section 15 of the Local Government Municipal Property
     Rates?                               Rates Act of 2004 is owners of property situated within an area
                                          affected by - (i)     a disaster within the meaning of the Disaster
                                          Management Act 2002 Act (ii). A process will, however, have to be
                                          followed to get such exemptions – which will involve that they will
                                          have to be negotiated at a local level with your municipality
60. What steps should be taken if         The NICD should be notified, a person in isolation, list of persons
     a worker working in a citrus         with whom they have been in direct contact and consider placing
     warehouse is tested positive         those persons in isolation. It is very difficult, because the disease is
     for COVID-19?                        contagious before symptoms start, and some people test positive
                                          without any symptoms.
61. Is there any assistance from          Government has stepped up procurement of these items, but
     the   Government        for   hand   remember that soap and water work perfectly, and masks have zero
     sanitizer?                           protective effect against this virus, it simply prevents a person who
                                          is already ill from coughing and sneezing on other people. This is
from the World Health Organisation: If you are healthy, you only
                                           need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with the
                                           suspected 2019-nCoV infection. Wear a mask if you are coughing or
                                           sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with
                                           frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and
                                           water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and
                                           dispose of it properly.
62. 6 I am a sole proprietor and do        This issue has been raised with the presidency and Agri SA is
   5 not    have      an      enterprise   awaiting feedback. It is not compulsory to register as an essential
   . number.    Because of this, I         service at this stage but if there is a financial benefit at a later stage
    cannot     register       on    the    it might be beneficial.
    BizPortal. As a sole proprietor
    and a smaller scale farmer, this
    lockdown will have a huge
    financial impact on me, but
    now I cannot use the possible
    funding from BizPortal as I
    don’t    have    this     enterprise
    number.
63. 6The           capacity          on    A Permit to Perform Essential Services is required. This permit is in
   6bakkies/trucks/other       transport   GNR 398 in Government Gazette, number 43148, Vol. 657
   . that is reduced to 50% as well        published on March 25, 2020. Refer to Regulation 11B (3), Form 1
    as the allocated time has a            in Appendix C. This pro forma document has been published by the
    huge impact on Agriculture             government and Agri SA has developed a similar pro forma that can
    production: Different packing          also be used.
    shifts; the shift times do not         Transport:    Private     institutions   or   businesses    may    make
    correspond with the allocated          arrangements for the transportation of their workers who are
times      gazetted,     meaning      rendering essentials services as listed in Annexure B in line with the
production is cut in half by only     operating shifts, work time schedules as determined by the
having 1 shift per day and this,      responsible head of operations, Manager, Head of the Department
of course, having an impact on        or a person with responsible authority within such institution; and
the food production and supply.       (b) The operating shifts or work schedules or time table should be
Some Agri Products are more           stamped and signed by such person with authority as contemplated
perishable, therefore need to         in direction 6(6)(a) see GNR. 436 Government Gazette, No. 43186
be packed on the same day and         of March 31, 2020. Private vehicles may not exceed 60% of licensed
cannot stand over till the next       capacity, and must observe all directions regarding hygienic
morning. Packhouses need to           conditions and limiting exposure to COVID-19. Regulation 11C (4)
function a second shift from          of the GNR. 446 Government Gazette, number 43199 of 2 April
16:00     to   23:00    at   least.   2020, also see letter written by Agri SA on 1 April 2020 in this regard.
Farmworkers      work    different
times on different farms in the
same day.      They need to be
transported from 1 farm to the
next but will be stopped by the
police as it doesn’t necessarily
fall in the allocated time frames.
When it is possible to move the
farmworkers from one farm to
the next in the allocated time,
the problem is moving 1 or 2
people at a time as the capacity
allowance of a bakkie is 1
person.
64. What kind of transportation can    Both, but subject to prescribed restrictions as published by the
    be used? Private, Public or        Department of Transport. See GNR. 436 Government Gazette,
    company based?                     number 43186 of 31 March 2020 as well as a letter dated Agri SA
                                       dated 1 April 2020.
65. 6 Can farm workers stay on the Yes, if they agree. We do not recommend that accommodation be
   8 farm    during     the   week provided now, due to ESTA implications.
   . (isolation) and go home over
    weekends?
66. 7 Will there be taxi transport     Taxi services are available, however there are certain regulations in
    1 available for our labourer to    place, that allows the transportation of workers who performs
    . buy food? We are 60km from       essential services, only from 05h00 to 10h00 and from 16h00 to
      the nearest town. We can take
                                       20h00 (GNR.436, Government Gazette, number 43186 of March 31,
      our workers home with a truck
      if it is permissible.            2020). Private vehicles must not exceed 60% of its licensed capacity
                                       and that all directions regarding hygienic conditions and the
                                       restriction of exposure of persons to COVID-19 are complied with,
                                       see Regulation 11C (4) of GNR. 446 Government Gazette, number
                                       43199 of 2 April 2020 see also letter written by Agri SA on 1 April
                                       2020 in this regard.
67. 7Will the small Spaza shops in Yes, grocery stores and spaza shops are considered essential
   2the townships be allowed to services. Refer to Government Notice 43148 issued March 25, 2020.
   . remain open?                      see also GNR. 446 Government Gazette, No. 43199 of 2 April 2020,
                                       which also confirms that spaza shops may remain open during the
                                       lockdown.
68. Must    special   measures   be    No. Although face masks and gloves used by health care workers
    applied for the disposal of used   and environmental health service providers is treated as hazardous
    face masks and gloves used by      (medical) waste, masks and gloves used by farmworkers to protect
    farmworkers?
themselves from COVID-19 are regarded as personal protective
                                          equipment (PPE) that can be disposed of as general waste.
69. Can workers strike during this        Yes, they are allowed to.
    lockdown period?
70. Can wine be exported during No, the regulations only provide that essential harvesting and storage
    the lockdown?                         of primary agricultural products can continue to prevent wastage
                                          (refer to GNR 419 Government Gazette, number 43168 of March 26,
                                          2020 - Appendix B to the regulations). VINPRO should apply for
                                          exclusion at the Minister to include wine as an essential product to
                                          export. Agri SA will assist in this regard.
71. Can wool industry continue with Yes, it is regarded as an essential service for the storage and
    daily operations?                     harvesting of agricultural products (refer to GNR 419 Government
                                          Gazette, number 43168 of March 26, 2020 - Appendix B to the
                                          regulations).
72. Can      small      aircrafts   and Yes, It is regarded as an essential service in the agricultural sector.
    helicopters continue with crop
    spraying?
73. Moving       wildlife      between This is considered an essential service. It is currently working well
    provinces?                            and there are no problems as confirmed by WRSA. Drivers must
                                          always have the permit and identification at hand .
74. What happens if the first case See infographics made available by Agri SA. This is in line with the
    of Covid-19 is reported on a guidelines published by the World Health Organization.
    farm?
75. Can      grocery      stores    and Yes, it is considered an essential service. Refer to GNR 399 in
    wholesale        product   markets Government Gazette, number 43147 of March 25, 2020 (section
    including spaza stores and 6.5.2 (a) (vi)) see also GNR. 446 Government Gazette, No. 43199 of
informal dealers be authorised 2 April 2020 which further requires that the informal trader must
to provide services?           obtain written permission from a municipal authority to trade.

                                      Complied by:

                       Andrea Campher – Disaster Risk Manager
                                    (C) 079 8872 174
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