COVID-19: Documentation for essential services employees
In terms of the Government Gazette, dated 25 March 2020 No. R 398 Disaster Management Act, 2002: Amendment of Regulations issued in terms of Section 27 (2) please find attached the list of essential services industries which will be permitted to work during this nation lock down period commencing 26 March 2020 at 23:59.
Please be advised all persons employed at essential services, such as supermarkets, chemist’s, hospitals, etc. must always have a letter on their person which must comply with the following:
- The letter must be an original official document on company letter head.
- The full name/’s, Surname, ID number and address of employee.
- The employer’ s name and address.
- Business hours of the company.
- Name and contact number of Manager / Director.
- Original signature of Manager / Director.
This letter and ID/Drivers licence (any form of ID with a photo) must always be in possession of the employee.
If an essential company employs cleaners or security personnel, they must have the same letters from their companies.
If the company has a contract with a transport provider, that transport provider must also be in possession of a letter to state that reason.
Nurses and security personnel with appointment certificates which have a photo displayed may also use it as proof of identification.
KINDLY NOTE THAT WE WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL AND AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES THROUGH THIS NATIONAL LOCK DOWN. YOU ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT US AS USUAL FOR ANY ASSISTANCE ON ALL MATTERS INCLUDING CLARITY ON THE ABOVE.
List of essential services industries (PDF):
Are we allowed to claim from the disaster managemnt act ? Or the company that you working for…putting our lives at risk?
Dear Marie Erasmus
Thank you for your question. We would have to know why your company is putting your life at risk. Will this be because of working during this lock down period? If so, your company must ensure that they follow all the regulations stipulated by Government in order to protect you.
The Minister of Employment and Labour on 16 March 2020 at a special Nedlac executive committee meeting stated the following:
1. Health and safety risk assessments need to be conducted in all workplaces. Guidelines and checklists in this regard will be made available on http://www.labour.gov.za
2. Employers are expected to implement extremely strict hygiene provisions (facilities for handwashing are imperative).
3. If an employee needs to self-isolate due to international travel or exposure to an infected individual, such self-isolation period will be compensated by the UIF as special leave.
4. If a business needs to close due to potential exposure, UIF will send officials to workplaces to assist with registering the UIF claims of employees.
5. There will be interventions available to businesses that become distressed due to COVID-19. These will be made available by Treasury (no details available yet).
6. Employees who contract the virus during their employment will have a claim in terms of COIDA.
We trust this answers your question. Be safe out there.