Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal has sent out numerous eBulletins to its membership base, to keep members updated on all pertinent information relating to COVID-19 and the construction sector. Topics covered in these bulletins include information on how to access various relief initiatives, amendments to legislation and Health and Safety protocols.

COVID-19 eBulletin issue 38
South Africa to remain on Alert Level 1
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 37
South Africa moves to Alert Level 1
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 36
Lockdown restrictions relaxed, vaccines received
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 35
Further amendments to adjusted level 3 lockdown Regulations
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 34
Adjusted level 3 lockdown implemented for South Africans
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 33
Additional restrictions during the festive season
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 32
New OHS COVID-19 Direction
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 31
Alert Level 1 announced
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 30
COVID-19 TERS payments extended until 15 September 2020
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 29
COVID-19 isolation period reduced
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 28
TERS relief extended
Directive on compensation for workplace-acquired COVID-19
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 27
Level 3 lockdown Regulations announced
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 27

Level 3 lockdown Regulations announced
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 26
Guidance on vulnerable employees and workplace accommodation in relation to COVID-19
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 25
Engage with the OHS experts! Member Forum Meeting
Projects for production of energy resume
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 24
Risk adjusted approach to move to level 3 lockdown 
COVID-19 loan guarantee scheme opens 
COVID-19 Directive on Health and Safety in the workplace summary
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 23
Micro and small businesses –directions published
Public Transport Survey BUSA
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 22
Call for comments - Health and Safety Construction Sector Guidelines
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 21
Medium term plans for activation of industry post COVID-19 lockdown 
COVID-19 Occupational Health and Safety Measures In Workplaces Covid-19 (C19 OHS), 2020
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 20
Level 4 Regulations and the Construction Sector
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 19
Free webinars on JBCC contracts 
Increased tax relief to provide financial assistance
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 18
Comments submitted on behalf of the Construction Industry 
World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2020 
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 17
Schedule of Services Framework for Sectors - call for comments
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 16
Stimulus package to boost South Africa 
Workplace Skills Plan 2020 - Deadline Extended
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 15
Health and Safety Risk Plan for construction sites COVID-19
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 14
Call for immediate reactivation of Construction Industry
OHS Clinic and Employee Benefits -now operational!
Master Builders KwaZulu–Natal OHS Clinic – Stockist of Masks
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 13
Further amendments to essential goods and services
Free webinars on building contracts during lockdown extended
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 12
Remote services during extended lockdown
SA Reserve Bank cuts interest rates by a further 100 basis points 
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 11
Call for Comments - Draft Taxation Bill
Driven Machinery Licence Renewal Extension
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 10
Amendments to Regulations
COVID-19 Small Business Fund
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 9
Free Webinars on Building Contracts During Lockdown
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 8 
Construction work and essential services during lockdown
President Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses the Nation
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 7
SA Rating downgraded to Junk Status
The Department of Employment & Labour centres to remain closed during the 21 days lockdown period
Covid-19 Hotline for Occupational health and Safety Professionals
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 6
Amendments to Essential Goods and Services
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 5
SMMESA - Coronavirus Debt Relief Fund
Subsidy of R 500 per employee through the Employee Tax incentive
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 4
COIDA Covers Occupationally Acquired COVID-19
Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS)
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 3
Legal Opinion - Implications on Contractual Matters
10 Steps to follow when locking down your business
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COVID-19 eBulletin issue 2
Essential Services - Regulations
Essential Services Web Portal
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COVID-19 e Bulletin issue 1 
Stop fake news!
Claiming UIF benefits due to Covid-19 outbreak
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Visit: www.sacoronavirus.co.za

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus a pandemic, and the Honourable President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, declared a national state of disaster announcing measures to be taken to combat and mitigate the spread of the virus.

This led to the National Coronavirus Command Council enforcing a nationwide lockdown which commenced at midnight on 26 March 2020.

The Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal COVID-19 Information Portal allows for access to all pertinent information disseminated by the Association relating to COVID-19 processes and the impact of the pandemic on the construction industry. 

Free Site Induction Video

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal are pleased to launch a COVID-19 site induction video, which can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE. We trust that this video will assist our members with the application of COVID-19 health and safety measures on site.

Document Resource Centre

For all industry related COVID-19 resources documents, Government notices, guidelines and useful information visit our Resources document centre.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Resources Document Centre

COVID-19 eBulletins 

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal has sent out numerous eBulletins to its membership base, to keep members updated on all pertinent information relating to COVID-19 and the construction sector. Topics covered in these bulletins include information on how to access various relief initiatives, amendments to legislation and Health and Safety protocols.  To access the bulletins that were sent out, visit our COVID-19 eBulletin archive.

Visit: www.sacoronavirus.co.za

ABOUT THE VIRUS

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness, first detected in Wuhan.

Many patients reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring. 

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses.

Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS, SARS, and now with 2019-nCoV.

Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet).

Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to influenza. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

The virus typically infects the section of the population that is at risk i.e. the old, new born, immune depressed people and the chronically ill.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

For confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Most common symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Other less common symptoms:

• Muscle pain
• Tiredness
• Diarrhoea
• Coughing up blood

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

Tests are performed on lung excretions that is obtained from the nose or throat using a swab.

Blood tests and chest CT scans may assist in confirming the diagnosis.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

No specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is currently available. Clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures and supportive management

PREVENTION

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• A face mask should be used by people who show symptoms of 2019-nCoV infection, in order to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workersand people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU SUSPECT CORONA VIRUS INFECTION

Stay at home (try to avoid contact with other people)

Contact your doctor who will inform you what to do next.

Neil Enslin | Occupational Health and Safety Manager