The Minister of Health, Motlatsi Maqelepo, has declared that construction works and hardware centers are essentials services as defined under the Public Health (COVID-19), (Risk Determination and Mitigation Measures) Regulations, No 4 of 2021 to be provided during the nationwide total lockdown in view of the following:
- Heavy rains and floods experienced in recent days have caused massive damage to properties and construction works in some parts of the country.
- The services interruption would endanger the lives, health or personal safety of part of the population.
- The construction works and hardware centres shall be required to operate under strict protocols and WHO health measures during this period.
- The easing of restrictions on the sectors are to be promulgated in the law.
Construction works and hardware facilities are expected to be back in operation from 29 January 2021.
They are expected to operate with very clear protocols that they will all have to abide by them as specified in the Regulations.
Hardware stores must also ensure that they work with 50% staff capacity opening at 8am and closing at 1pm at all times.