Answering some lockdown regulations questions

On 25 March, the South African Government released the Disaster Management Act Regulations for the national lockdown. While already in lockdown since just after midnight on 27 March, we still face some uncertainties.

Many residents are wondering about the restriction on moving outside the confines of they own homes.

Also Read:

https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2020/04/02/getting-into-the-lockdown-mood-watch-record-journalist-doing-some-top-rated-relaxing-activities-during-lockdown/

In terms of the Regulations, a caregiver is allowed to travel to and from his/ her patient. All care services and social relief provided to the elderly, mentally ill, people with a disability, the sick and children have been confirmed as an essential service. Nevertheless, the caregiver is required to have a Permit to Perform Essential Services, which is provided for in the amended Regulations of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, as Annexure C, Form 1, and needs to be signed by the institution where he/ she works. The caregiver also needs to have a form of identification at hand at all times.

Volunteers are allowed to help the *elderly with buying essentials, but must give proof of purchases and identification of the person they are buying for.

In the case of parents with joint custody, children may not be moved between houses during the national lockdown.

Residents can visit the South African Government’s website at www.gov.za to read the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, and the Government Gazette for the amended regulations.

*An article will follow with more detail on how Roodepoort residents can help out the elderly in our community.