The National Lockdown begins on Thursday midnight (26th March-16th April). All South African have to stay at HOME. Only those necessary to the rescue strategy will be allowed to move outside their homes.

The categories of people who will be exempted from this lockdown are the following: health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services –such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers – and other persons necessary for our response to the pandemic.

Public health management programme will conduct testing, tracing and medical management. Community health teams will expand screening and testing where people live, focusing on high density, high risk areas.

Companies that are essential to the production and transportation of food, basic goods and medical supplies will remain open. We will publish a full list of the categories of businesses that should remain open.

All shops and businesses will be closed, except for pharmacies, laboratories, banks, essential financial and payment services, including the JSE, supermarkets, petrol stations and health care providers.

Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant.

Temporary shelters that meet the necessary hygiene standards will be identified for homeless people. Sites are also being identified for quarantine and self-isolation for people who cannot self-isolate at home.