NATIONAL NEWS - Businesses and shoppers are cautioned to adhere to strict Covid-19 safety protocols during the Black Friday sales that peak next Friday, 27 November. This is to avoid creating any super-spreader events during this time in the Western Cape, said David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, in a statement today, 19 November.
Maynier said the Black Friday sales traditionally mark the start of the festive spending season, and this year will be an opportunity for businesses to recover revenue lost during the Covid-19 restrictions.
“However, we appeal to retail businesses to please implement the necessary health guidelines to stop the spread of Covid-19 and ensure that their staff and customers are as safe as possible.”
To support retailers and other businesses, the Department of Economic Development will be meeting with major retailers and the property management companies for the major shopping centres this week.
Risk management strategies will be discussed, as well as the consequences of non-compliance of the Covid-19 safety measures. The engagement will include relevant law enforcement agencies who will assist to manage Covid-19 safety compliance.
Retailers and businesses may consider the following pointers:
- Reducing congestion at shops and malls: Run as many promotions online as possible, open for longer hours and consider running specials over a longer period.
- Managing customers inside stores and malls: Limit the number of people in-store to ensure social distancing. Also ensure correct wearing of masks and that sanitiser is available.
- Managing store entry: Maintain strict screening protocols at the store entrance and stagger entry into the store.
- Managing congestion at pay points: Be vigilant of congestion and take measures to ensure social distancing. Reduce congestion by minimising use of cash. Ensure that card payment machines are regularly sanitised.
- Reducing infection among staff: Ensure that more frequent sanitising of frequently touched items and surfaces takes place, for example at goods receiving, within the stores, and at till points. Ensure health measures are maintained in communal staff areas such as canteens and smoke-break areas. Ensure staff are informed and have resources to enforce health protocols in store.
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