To curb the spread of COVID-19, Government has declared a 21-day national lockdown from Thursday 26 March at 23:59. This emergency measure will have an impact on the lives of all South Africans. Still, we commend President Cyril Ramaphosa for taking swift action to save South Africa and giving us a chance to fight the coronavirus.
For more on COVID-19, please read up on why it is essential to come together to fight the spread of the virus.
As a company, we have taken action, too. Rest assured that we’re always there for you in times of need! Thanks to state of the art technology, LAW FOR ALL, remains fully operational during the national lockdown. Our legal professionals will work remotely and will still be available to provide expert legal care.
Our legal team is fully clued up on all matters that might arise out of the COVID-19 outbreak, and know you might be facing various obstacles over the next few months. We are here to assist you with all your legal concerns, advise you on debt repayment; enforce your rights at work as many of us worry about our livelihoods; assist you with family disputes, and give you guidance on your consumer rights as you navigate through your contractual obligations.
We’ll keep you up to date and prepare various handy tools for you, from financial tips to COVID-19 updates, to ensure you are ready to face any challenge life may throw at you during these uncertain times.
A Closer Look at the National Lockdown
What is a lockdown?
Lockdown is an emergency protocol that requires citizens to stay home. No one will be allowed to leave their homes for 21 days, except to buy essential products (food, hygiene products, airtime and fuel), seek medical attention and purchase medicine, collect social grants, or go to work to deliver an essential service.
South Africa is not the only country on lockdown at the moment. The whole world is doing what is necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save the lives of their fellow citizens. As a country, we have acted faster than in many European countries. Our President has implemented the best protocols and learned from the success and failure of other countries to ensure our safety.
Which shops will stay open during the lockdown?
All shops and businesses will close to limit human interaction. That said, several critical companies than provide essential goods and services remain open to ensure we can provide for ourselves and our families. These include:
- pharmacies;
- laboratories;
- banks;
- financial and payment services, including the JSE;
- supermarkets;
- petrol stations; and
- healthcare providers
We salute our public servants & essential workers!
South Africans fighting on the frontline of COVID-19, are exempted from the lockdown, including health workers, emergency personnel and security services (police, traffic officers, military medical personnel and soldiers).
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has also been deployed to support the police in implementing these emergency measures.
At LAW FOR ALL many of our Policyholders deliver essential services. We salute them with the highest respect as they keep us safe and healthy during this time. We urge everyone to support and adhere to their instructions and to follow these regulations to ease the burden they will face.
What about our healthcare system?
The nationwide lockdown will be accompanied by a public health management programme, which will significantly increase screening, testing, contact tracing and medical management.
Community health teams will focus on expanding screening and testing for COVID-19, especially in high-density and high-risk areas.
The Government will implement a “centralised patient management system” for severe cases of COVID-19 to ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed, and mild cases will receive “decentralised primary care”.
Practising good hygiene is essential. Emergency water supplies will be provided in informal settlements and rural areas using storage tanks, water tanks, boreholes and communal standpipes.
Can I still travel?
For now, we urge all our Policyholders to stay at home. When the lockdown comes into force, South Africans will not be allowed to travel between metros, districts, provinces or even abroad. Government has enforced strict regulations for those coming from overseas, and they will be turned back to their countries. All travellers who arrived after 9 March 2020 will be confined to their hotels, guesthouses and lodges.
How will this affect the economy?
These measures are going to have a considerable impact on our livelihoods and the economy. But, the human cost of delaying taking action would be far higher. The Government will try its best to put measures in place to help those who need it most.
A fund has been set up for anyone who has anything extra to spare to help our country. Anyone can start contributing to the fund at www.solidarityfund.co.za.
What about my grant payment?
Pension and disability grants will be available for collection from 30 and 31 March 2020, while other categories of grants will be available for collection from 1 April 2020.
ATMs, retail point of sale devices, post offices and cash pay points will remain open.
What about me, as an employee?
LAW FOR ALL is here to guide you in any labour matter. While the Government will be creating a Temporary Employee Relief Scheme to help companies pay their employees and those that fall sick during this period, LAW FOR ALL will provide you with thorough advice and assistance as we venture through these unprecedented times together.
Must I still pay tax?
The Government will provide tax subsidies of up to R500 a month for the next four months to private-sector employees earning less than R6 500, giving relief to over 4 million people.
For now, citizens will still have to meet their tax obligations until more relief is announced by the Government.
What happens if I break these regulations?
There are serious criminal offences attached to these temporary regulations. Those that don’t obey the rules will face hefty fines and up to 6 months’ imprisonment.
Remember, if you are suspected or been confirmed to have COVID-19 and you intentionally pass this on to anyone, you will be facing charges of assault, attempted murder or murder.
If you are unsure of anything, please contact LAW FOR ALL. Now is time to take all the necessary precautions.
What can I stop paying?
If you are struggling to stay financially afloat, keep an eye out for our updates on tips and news of Government relief funds. In the interim, you can get in touch with LAW FOR ALL to reach out to your banks to negotiate repayment plans, or to contact your landlord to arrange temporary payment terms.
It’s also a good idea to look at your household budget and cut unnecessary expenses while retaining essentials like your medical, car and home insurance and your legal insurance policy. You are likely going to rely on many of these policies in times of need.
What must I do now?
For now, we urge all our clients to remain calm. We’ve got your back and will face all your legal worries with you. Please follow Governments’ measures and stay indoors: it is the best thing we can do for our fellow South Africans and our country. The quicker we stop the spread of this disease, the faster we can start building our Nation again.
How do I get in touch with LAW FOR ALL?
Please bear in mind; because of the large volume of queries, we might experience some technical difficulties, and we ask you to please be patient. To get in touch with LAW FOR ALL:
- Call our Legal Helpline on 0861 00 22 86
- Send an Email to legal@lawforall.co.za
- SMS your “name” to 30838.
We’ve Got Your Back!
LAW FOR ALL policies are pocket-friendly and provide comprehensive cover for whatever legal challenge life throws your way. For more information on how LAW FOR ALL can become your friend in times of need and help you navigate life have a look at our policies here.
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