STATEMENT BY MEC DAVID MAYNIER, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES:

We firmly believe that if done responsibly, the economy in the Western Cape can open up while preventing the spread of Covid-19, and so we are committed to supporting businesses through this crisis.

With the commencement of the Alert Level 4 restrictions on the 1 May 2020 as part of national government’s Covid-19 Risk Adjusted Strategy, a number of non-essential businesses were permitted to open, with the condition that they implement a number of measures to stop the spread of Covid-19.

So, we are working together with our partners in government, business and industry to ensure that business have the information they need to open safely, and in a responsible way.

We have worked closely with the Western Cape Department of Health to prepare Covid-19 health guidelines for business. These guidelines not only provide information on how businesses can prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace, but also what to do if an employee displays symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19.

The guidelines can be found on our Covid-19 website: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-how-prevent-and-manage-covid-19-infections

These guidelines include information on, for example:
• How to perform a risk assessment of a work site
• How to perform an employee risk assessment and prepare a work procedure plan
• Advice on training of employees
• Advice on the provision of PPE

We have produced a range of information material for employers and their staff to utilise in the workplace such as posters, checklists and decals, that remind people of health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19. These can also be downloaded on the Covid-19 website: coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/resources

Finally, to assist businesses to procure the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required to protect employees, together with the City of Cape Town and Wesgro, and in partnership with FNB/RMB, we have today launched a dedicated online PPE marketplace that provides a single place for small and large PPE manufacturers to promote their product ranges, and for businesses to secure masks and other PPE. The PPE marketplace can be found at www.supportbusiness.co.za/marketplace

Our Western Cape Department of Health and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are also available to provide support to businesses where needed to help stop the spread of Covid-19 in businesses.

And, as always, our dedicated Covid-19 Content Centre team is available to provide support and advice on the Alert Level 4 restrictions and how these might affect your business. You can email supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za or visit www.supportbusiness.co.za for more information.