THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN Q & A
 

The President declared a 21 day nationwide lockdown from midnight 26 March 2020 until midnight 16 April 2020

 

WHAT POWER DOES THE ARMY HAVE?

• The South African National Defense Force will support the Police during the lockdown, in combat uniform and armed with standard R4 rifles

• They will have the power of arrest, but having done so must hand the arrested person over to the police immediately, with a statement giving the reason for the arrest

• Both the Police and the army must follow the principles of minimum force

 

IF YOU ARE STOPPED WHILE OUT

• Supply your reason for leaving home which should be accepted if in line with the guidelines from the South African Government.

• You should be afforded the normal rights. A state of disaster should by definition be implemented in a matter consistent with the Bill of Rights.

 

WHAT PRODUCTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BUY?

• Any food product including non-alcohol beverages, animal food, chemicals, packaging and ancillary products used in production of food products

• Toilet paper, sanitary towels, condoms

• Hand sanitiser, disinfectant and soap

• Alcohol for industry use

• Household cleaning products

• Personal protective equipment

• Chemicals, packaging, and ancillary products used in the production of the above

 

WHEN CAN I LEAVE HOME?

• For medical treatment

• To buy food

• To go to the bank

• To buy petrol

• To visit the pharmacy

• If you perform Essential Services that has been so declared

• If you have been authorised to do so, to perform auxiliary services for Essential Services

• To collect Social Grants

 

DO I NEED PERMISSION TO LEAVE HOME?

• You do not need permission

• You may only leave home for the exceptions provided – such as food, petrol, medical treatment and to collect social grants

 

WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO GET TRANSPORT?

• All commuter transport are prohibited except for:

  • Obtaining essential goods

  • Seeking medical attention

  • Funeral services

  • Obtaining social grants

• Each vehicle can only carry no more than 50% of the load licensed to carry

 

IS ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ALLOWED OUTSIDE OUR HOMES?

• You are not allowed LEAVE your property for running, hiking, biking, swimming, or for walking your dog etc. 

• We all need to be creative and get exercise inside our own property

 

Remember that exercise, adequate sleep, healthy food & fluid intake are all ways in which we can make our bodies stronger to fight Covid-19!