Lockdown could kill businesses

More than 48 000 residents in this town will, together with the rest of the country, experience a total 21-day lockdown.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced this state of isolation on Monday as a measure to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Residents are, however, worried about the implications this will have on smaller businesses, contract workers and the overall financial stability of the town. Small businesses told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that they have no other option but to adhere to the lockdown.

“This means no income. No means of paying our staff and no finances,” one business told the newspaper.
Another said that this might even mean the end of their business. “I seriously doubt if we will be able to make ends meet to such an extent as to keep the business going.”

According to DA MP, Sonja Boshoff, the state of isolation will have devastating effects, specifically on small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs).
“Can you imagine the old woman who sells her goods on the street corner without that income? Mining, hospitality, manufacturing – everyone will take a huge knock. But to contain it we must adhere to the president’s call. We are not geared to handle a pandemic and if we do not all play our part, we could find ourselves in the same situation as Italy.”

Residents have also uttered their concerns as to whether any services will be available during this time. The newspaper made contact with several businesses and organisations in town to find out whether they will be open for trade during the next 21 days.

Pick n Pay’s Jacobus Pretorius confirmed that they will be open for business and that normal trading hours will be applicable, unless otherwise advised.
Longtom SPAR’s Andre du Plooy told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that they will also be fully operational during the lockdown. “We will continue with normal trading hours and will function as normal. We have made sure that sufficient stock is on hand and available. We are here to serve the town.”

Checkers at The Heads also confirmed that it will be open and operating as normal.
Longtom Dierekliniek, one of the local veterinary clinics, also confirmed that it will be open. Luné Albrechts, of this clinic, said that they will still be operational to supply residents with food and medicine. “Any other details concerning surgeries will be communicated to the public.”

Deon Broekman of Rapid Response’s emergency reaction unit said that they are on full response time during the isolation. He said that they have also upped their game for any disaster issues.

The medical centre in town has also confirmed that they will be operational to handle emergencies and appointments. All restaurants, will however, be closed for business.
The lockdown came into effect at midnight on Thursday. It will last until April 16.
In Burgersfort supermarkets and retail centres also confirmed that they will be open for business. Pick ‘n Pay in Burgerfort indicated that they will be open, but that trading hours might be affected. The same applies to Tubatse SPAR, which also confirmed that they will be trading but that hours have not been established. Boxer said that it will be operational and the Burgersfort clinic also confirmed that they will be accessible during the lockdown.
In his address, Ramaphosa said that businesses that may continue operations include
• pharmacies
• laboratories
• banks
• essential finance systems, such as the JSE
• supermarkets
• petrol stations
• healthcare providers
• companies involved in making or distributing food, basic goods, and medical supplies.
South Africans will not be allowed to leave their homes except “under strictly controlled circumstances”, Ramaphosa said. He listed the following circumstances
• seeking medical care
• buying food, medicine, and “other supplies”
• collecting a social grant.