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BL Premium reports that as the cabinet considers lifting restrictions on more sectors earlier than originally planned, business has called for a full opening up of the economy, with a few exceptions such as nightclubs and bars.
Much of the economy swung back into action at the beginning of June when the government moved to level 3 under its five-level risk-adjusted system, allowing about 16-million people to return to work. But some sectors such as tourism, have been left out in the cold. Business Unity SA’s Cas Coovadia said places such as cinemas and personal services such as hairdressers were starting to put measures in place to ensure there was social distancing and the necessary health protocols. “We would think that on the basis those businesses are indicating they can follow health directives, they should open up as much as possible,” he opined. In the view of labour federation Cosatu, more was needed to be done to ensure the safety of workers, especially when using public transport. Spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said the systems put in place were “not good enough” and there was also a lack of co-ordination. Cosatu reaffirmed its view that the health and safety of people needed to be placed ahead of making a profit. On Friday, the High Court in Cape Town will be hearing an application by the DA to have the ban on personal care services, such as hairdressers, overturned. Last week, the High Court in Pretoria declared that level 4 and 3 regulations were unconstitutional and invalid, but the government has lodged an application for leave to appeal the judgment.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Genevieve Quintal at BusinessLive (paywall access only)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page