Tag: COVID-19

It’s always darkest before the dawn, and markets across the globe are looking pretty dark right now. I’m not saying that the worst is over, or nearly over (my crystal ball is simply not giving me any clear answers) but if you look at the past, history will remind you that following the herd and selling up due to panic are not sensible strategies.

Moody’s cut both the local and foreign currency-denominated debt from Baa3 to Ba1 and retained the negative outlook. Their statement highlighted South Africa’s deteriorating fiscal situation amidst very weak economic growth, saying: 'The key driver behind the rating downgrade to BA1 is the continuing deterioration in fiscal strength and structurally very weak growth.'

After the likely spike in insurance claims arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, insurers are likely to introduce new or change  existing exclusionary clauses which were not previously considered to be necessary. The rapid spread and potential damage of the coronavirus presents an extraordinary situation for governments, businesses and individuals.

Local investors should stay invested to reap strong future returns. An early decisive response to the COVID-19 threat should contain the spread of the virus in South Africa, but the economic repercussions in the short term will be costly. Local measures to contain the virus will add to an already weak economy and negative global impact.

Travel bans, lockdown, working from home and avoiding public spaces have suddenly become the new normal, and you may be feeling unsettled and anxious as the coronavirus crisis wreaks havoc on our everyday activities and routines.

As the country goes into a three-week lock-down to combat the national COVID-19 outbreak, businesses and employees across South Africa are putting the necessary measures in place to operate remotely.

The trademarks COVIDBAN, CORONA GUARD and CORONA CARE were applied for at the South African Trade Marks Office between the 3rd and 16th of March 2020.  Not a complete surprise. There are always opportunists rushing to register a trade mark and this time they are seeking to benefit from the biggest news story of our time.

Will the corona virus (COVID-19) constitute a force majeure event under South African law? The answer to that is it depends.

The regulations related to COVID-19 published on 18 of March 2020 make testing and treatment for COVID-19 mandatory in certain circumstances. According to the regulations, a person who has been confirmed as having COVID-19, or who is suspected of having COVID-19, or who has been in contact with a carrier of COVID-19, must submit to a medical examination, including the taking of a bodily sample, treatment, prophylaxis, isolation or quarantine.

As South Africans face the reality of a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, working from home has become the 'new normal' overnight – and if properly managed, it can be just as productive as being in the office. South African companies now join millions of businesses across the globe forced to learn fast and on-the-job how to manage a completely remote workforce.