Socio-economic wellbeing and human rights-related experiences of people with disabilities in Covid-19 times in South Africa: final report

Abstract

Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) toward the end of 2019, the South African government declared a National State of Disaster on 15 March 2020 and introduced Level 5 lockdown from 27 March 2020. While necessary as a measure to contain the spread of COVID-19, the introduction of stringent Level 5 lockdown measures negatively impacted all South Africans and the economy. Almost overnight, jobs were shed, movement within and between provinces was curtailed, and most people had to remain at home unless they were shopping for essential groceries and food. Prioritised healthcare workers could continue to work under strict conditions. Non-essential businesses were temporarily closed. The South African Police Services (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were deployed to assist with the implementation of the lockdown procedures.