South Africa will be going into a 21-day national lock-down, beginning at midnight on Thursday 26th March. To clarify, Thursday will be the final “normal” workday for South Africans, and the lock-down will begin on Thursday night. The lock-down will end at midnight on Thursday 16th April, so the first standard workday will be Friday 17th April.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has made exceptions for certain businesses to remain open during the lock-down period, including drug stores, grocery stores, and banks. While people may be panic buying at present, the government has assured everyone that this is not necessary, as normal the supply of goods will remain during the period.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defense Force (SANDF) will be patrolling to ensure that the lock-down rules are adhered to. This is South Africa’s opportunity to “flatten the curve” – stemming the rapid spread of COVID-19. If we work together, we can reduce the infection rate, and work towards restoring normality.

Anyone found to be breaking the rules of the lock-down could be imprisoned. Please follow the President’s instructions and remain at home.

To track the spread of the virus, click here. And for information about coronavirus from the WHO, click here. Below are some infographics explaining the SA lock-down.

Please note that Relocation Africa staff will be working from home during the lock-down period. Our landline will be down, but we will be contactable via email.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.
Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].