Covid-19: Government eases online shopping restrictions

South Africans can now shop all products online, except alcohol and tobacco products.

Subject to all applicable laws, all goods may be transacted through eCommerce platforms, except for goods prohibited for sale in terms of regulation 26 and 27 of the latest Disaster Management Act Regulations.

As with all business activity, following strict hygiene protocol upon returning to work, workers who would be resuming work at various warehouses should not share equipment, utensils, stationery or face masks. Warehouse workers will also have to have their temperatures checked every four hours while on duty.

Employees whose temperature tests 37,5 degrees C or higher should be moved to an isolated observation room for a second measurement. If the second reading also exceeds 37,5 degrees C, the employee must be sent home for self-quarantine, provided with a surgical mask and not be permitted to enter or stay on the premises, according to the Government Gazette.

Government has also called for eCommerce stores to continue providing support for local businesses, or goods that are manufactured in the Republic of South Africa.

In accordance with good hygiene practices, all goods have to be sanitised in line with guidelines published by the National Department of Health before leaving warehouses or depots. In addition, retailers have to have collection protocols to ensure that adequate social distancing is maintained by courier or delivery service personnel when collecting the goods from a warehouse or depot.

In addition, retailers must provide as many payment options as possible for consumers, that are based on reducing the risk of transmission, and enabling poorer consumers to access delivery services. They also have to provide written guidelines for customers on how to safely disinfect their goods before use.

When delivering goods, courier services workers are required to have their own masks and sanitiser, and practise social distancing when delivering. Customers are advised to wear masks and be extra cautious when receiving goods.

*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).