For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Ramaphosa spells relief for companies in Covid-19 distress, SA parties, labour, business applaud 21-day lockdown to combat Covid-19 and, Namibia to announce tough measures to curb Covid-19

 

Ramaphosa spells relief for companies in Covid-19 distress

As President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown to curtail the runaway spread of the Coronavirus in South Africa, he also revealed assistance packages for businesses in distress due to the crisis.

Ramaphosa said using the tax system, government will provide a tax subsidy of up to R500 per month for the next four months for those private sector employees earning below R6 500 under the Employment Tax Incentive.

The Department of Small Business Development has made over R500-million available immediately to assist small and medium enterprises that are in distress through a simplified application process. 

 

SA parties, labour, business applaud 21-day lockdown to combat Covid-19

The DA has applauded the 21-day lockdown announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling it the right thing to do in a situation similar to war time.

The Economic Freedom Fighters noted the lockdown from midnight on Thursday until April 16 would have "devastating economic consequences" but was also the only logical move to contain the novel coronavirus.

In an address broadcast live on television, Ramaphosa said all South Africans would be compelled to stay at home, save for essential services such as health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services – such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel and soldiers.

 

Namibia to announce tough measures to curb Covid-19

Namibia was expected to announce additional drastic measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation said an announcement would be made following a meeting by the task force handling the outbreak, after a Namibian man tested positive for Covid-19, bringing to four the total numbers of confirmed cases in the country.

The public broadcaster reported that the 19-year-old was a student who returned from the United Kingdom on March 18. He has been quarantined and was in a stable condition.

A response team was following up with all those who may have come into contact with the student.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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