Local business chamber pleased with government move to downgrade lockdown restrictions

The Fourways Chamber of Commerce and Industry has described the government’s decision to ease Level 3 restrictions as a step in the right direction for economic recovery.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on 1 February that the National Coronavirus Command Council decided to ease some Level 3 restrictions following a decrease of infections across the country. These eased restrictions now mean that the sale of alcohol is allowed and beaches are opened.

Chief executive officer for the local business network, Linda Blackbeard said the move would help revive the economy and businesses and prevent further job losses. “We really commend the government for the decision to lift the ban on alcohol. The ban on alcohol has had a bad effect, especially on the hospitality industry and it was the hardest hit. Countless jobs have been shed and some businesses had to close down.

“We are optimistic that the decision will save those businesses that were on the verge [of closure],” she said

Blackbeard urged members of the public to continue adhering to the restrictions put in place by the government to avoid further damage to the economy and loss of lives.

“We hope that going forward, people will start to behave accordingly to prevent another stringent lockdown that will further cripple our livelihoods.

“People have lost their livelihoods and others lost their loved ones because of recklessness by some of us. We urge members of the public to play their part to prevent further loss of lives.”

Related Article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/272210/sa-chamber-of-commerce-uk-launches-solidarity-walk-to-help-south-africa-with-covid-19-devastation/