City of Johannesburg not ready for all staff to return to work on 1 June

As the country moves to lockdown level 3 on 1 June, the City of Johannesburg has decided to delay the resumption of some services in order to guarantee the health and safety of employees.

MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services, Loyiso Masuku said, “Our employees are our most valuable resource and we appreciate their contribution, especially essential services employees who are in the frontline in the fight against the pandemic.” Only when the City’s various departments and entities had met the basic work place health standards, he said, would the green light be given for a full return to service.

During levels 5 and 4, the City embarked on a mass testing and screening campaign for all essential workers. A  combined total of 8 768 essential services workers (Category A) and returning employees (Category B) were screened and 751 were tested as outlined in the Department of Health guidelines. Those returning will be expected to practice all Covid-19 safety protocols while at work.

“Changing employee behaviour, implementing new cleaning and hygiene routines, establishing social distancing, and implementing best practice are important factors contributing to the successful reopening of any premises,” said Masuku. He urged employees to continue working from home where possible and not to return to work on 1 June unless they had been instructed to do so by their managers.

Johannesburg had been identified as one of the Covid-19 hotspots and the City needed to do all it could to prioritise the health of its staff.  Masuku added, “It is important to implement measures that ensure employees feel valued and protected, thus we have begun deep cleaning certain workspaces and facilities because although the return to work will be gradual and phased, it is essential that all risks are considered and planned for.”

According to the City, the relevant Heads of Department would keep employees informed, under the direction of the City Manager, Dr Ndivhoniswani Lukhwareni.

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