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President Cyril Ramaphosa announced yesterday evening that the ease on the lockdown due to COVID-19 will be based on a risk-adjusted strategy that will be implemented from the start of May. Level 4 will be introduced on the 1st of May, next Friday. The government will take a scientifically guided approach to allow more activities. This approach is guided by the advice of scientists who have advised that an abrupt and uncontrolled lifting of restrictions could lead to a massive surge of infections. 

We at Agri Online are pleased that the President announced that all agricultural activities have been included in Alert Level 4, with means moderate to high virus spread, and with moderate readiness. Essential services will be allowed as well as all agriculture (horticulture, export agriculture including wool and wine, floriculture and horticulture, and related processing) as well as forestry, pulp and paper. 

This comes as a welcome relief as certain aspects of the agricultural sector were excluded during the hard lockdown of level 5. 

Although there are still major concerns within this approach and a lot more clarity is needed with regards to transportation of agricultural goods, related agricultural industries, non-essential farming practices and other related services and activities, we are pleased the President has prioritised agriculture. 

Without a fully functioning agriculture sector in operation, we can expect the economy to be drastically affected as well as the man on the street be faced with a situation where food and essential products become scarce. And in a time like this, we cannot afford that the consumer is in a situation where food becomes even more expensive and availability is reduced. 

The following rules will be imposed across all sectors and alert levels. There should be workplace protocols in place that would include disease surveillance and prevention of the spread of infection. All employers to screen staff on a daily basis for symptoms of COVID-19, including a symptom check as well as temperature assessment. All employees to use a cloth mask, especially where social distancing is not possible. Work environment to have sanitisers available or handwashing facilities with soap. Stringent social distancing measures should be implemented in the workplace.

Government explained that any decision about whether to institute a lower alert level will be made by the National Command Council based on evidence gathered during the week about the spread of the virus. We request Government to continue identifying needs within the agricultural sector and industries associated with the farming community to ensure this important part of the economy remains buoyant.

Issued by Agri Online