South Coast Chamber applauds proactive steps by government
Ivan Naidoo, interim president of the SCCCI said they are fully supportive of the lockdown announced by President Ramaphosa on March 23.
In a statement issued to members and the greater business community of the South Coast regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, Ivan Naidoo, the interim president of the South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), said we are in unchartered waters.
“We have not seen such a global crisis in our recent history. The SCCCI applauds our government for taking proactive steps to mitigate the pandemic. We are fully supportive of the lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on March 23.”
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He said the chamber understands that businesses will be severely affected during this time and it encouraged them to take advantage of the support programmes offered by the government.
“During the lockdown, the SCCCI calls on essential businesses that need to remain open to be vigilant towards the health of its staff, its customers and the general public. We trust that they will implement the well-publicised precautionary measures with diligence.”
These measures include:
* Where possible, staff to work from home.
* Frequent washing of hands by all staff; especially those who handle foodstuffs.
* Provision of hand sanitiser for customers and visitors.
* Prevention of physical contact and respect social distancing.
* Ensuring staff who are unwell do not return to work until they have fully recovered.
* Staff awareness talks regarding the Covid-19 virus and preventative measures.
Mr Naidoo also pleaded with the retail sector not to inflate the price of goods in response to the pandemic.
“We have been informed and are aware that some retailers have done so and we regard this practice as unethical,” he said
He concluded by reminding businesses that even as they prepared for difficult times to make provision for staff who may face abnormal challenges concerning transport and circumstances at home.
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