Guidelines on essential worker permits unclear, says Fedusa
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has called for clearer guidelines from Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on permits for essential service workers.
Only workers regarded as essential services are allowed to travel to and from work during the national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The federation says it’s unclear where workers are able to access the necessary permits.
“National lockdown rules require everyone to self-quarantine at home and not go out onto the streets unless as permit carrying essential services workers or can show valid reasons to the SANDF or SAPS that they need to go out and buy essential goods such as medicines, food or to seek medical attention,” it said in a statement on Friday.
“Violation of lockdown rules carries a hefty fine or jail time for up to 12 months.”
Fedusa is also concerned at the levels of staffing at public health facilities.
“Fedusa’s call comes in the wake of deep concerns that the current levels of staffing at public health facilities, which are already struggling to cope with long queues, could easily be overwhelmed if the number of locally acquired COVID-19 infections out of the total number of confirmed infections, breach the 1000 benchmark.”
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced the first two coronavirus deaths on Friday morning.
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