Alert Level 1 – Campaign launched to support businesses to open safely

We welcome the move to Alert Level 1 from today, 21 September 2020, as this further relaxation of restrictions and opening of the economy is exactly what we need to save jobs and the economy in the Western Cape.

After months of having to close because of Covid-19, businesses across the Western Cape are opening up, stocking up and welcoming back staff and customers.

But, to make sure we keep our economy growing, business owners need to continue doing everything they can to keep their customers, staff and communities safe, and consumers need to act responsibly as they get out and support the economy.

And so, we launched our workplace safety campaign last week, which will be run on radio, social media and search platforms in multiple languages to reach business owners across the Western Cape. The aim of the campaign is to remind businesses about the importance of implementing health and safety guidelines in the workplace, and encourage them to make use of the many tools and resources we have on our website to help them implement these safety measures in the workplace.

You can find out more about our tools and resources for workplace safety here: https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/covid-19-resources-workplaces

Our estimates are that 162,000 jobs would be lost in the Western Cape as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, and while we have worked hard to support businesses and reduce the impact on jobs and the economy and the Western Cape, there is still much work to be done.

Our economy cannot afford to go back to more severe levels of restrictions in the Western Cape, and so it is critically important that everyone continue to adhere to the health and safety guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 – wear a mask, wash your hands and social distance.

We also all have a role to play in rebuilding our economy in the Western Cape.

We know times are tough, but if you can, please go out and support our businesses in the Western Cape, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sector.

With the upcoming Heritage Day public holiday and the long weekend, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many specials offers and free experiences available to all and which provide everyone with the opportunity to explore the best that we have to offer in the Western Cape.

And if you are out and about discovering the Western Cape, please take a photo at your favourite local attraction, restaurant, museum or outdoor activity and post it on social media with the hashtag “WeAreOpen”.