Dear reader,

We are entering a time in which we must, in our physical isolation, reach out to others who are at this point critically vulnerable.

A drive only through Cape Town's streets this morning revealed that many homeless and vulnerable people are already suffering and if we do not act where we can right now it will get worse.

If you have the resources, please do think about, when you leave to buy supplies for yourself, buying extra food for people who have no means, and whom governments and NGOs might not be able to reach or help right now during this new, difficult, phase of life we have entered.

We will have to learn to live this way for some time. We have to learn to help each other.

While NGOs and charities wait for direction from the government on how to deliver food and other essentials to those who need it during the lockdown, we can all help in the meantime where we can.

As we all come to grips with the magnitude of what we are dealing with we will learn how to cope and what do to. This is one thing we can do right now, even before the lockdown.

A few points to bear in mind.

Try to choose food that is sealed. If you are buying tinned foodstuffs make sure it is “self-opening”. Supplies such as rice, beans powdered milk, and mieliepap are good. So is bread, milk and water. If you have durable crockery and cutlery, this too might help.

There are so so many people in need of help.

It may feel overwhelming because around every corner there will be someone new in need. Many of us know the people in our areas who are vulnerable and who day-in and day-out stand at traffic lights selling the Big Issue or Jokes or other knick-knacks.

We all need to help as many people as you can. Those who have neighbourhood WhatApp groups can co-ordinate over blocks and work together to secure the wellbeing of those we see struggling every day on our streets.

If you need direction, ask the people on the streets themselves... they know what they need.

If you are unable to help someone on a particular day, let them know when you are passing that way again.

In order not to spread the virus, be sure to exercise the recommended precautionary measures to protect others and yourself.

And yes, there will be many, many more people in distress out there, and you will not be able to solve this existential problem by yourself. But you can start by helping the human being in front of you.

Thank you in solidarity. DM

With school closures, children who relied on the school feeding schemes are no longer receiving their meals. Food Flow stepped in and are now helping deliver fresh food parcels to those most in need. Our local farms are still growing the produce but our restaurants can no longer receive them. If you can, use the money you would have spent today on take-away coffees or a meal out, and reallocate it to those most in need by pledging a food parcel here. Food Flow, we love your work. 

Last night we asked our Maverick Insiders to submit questions on the National Lockdown that they would like answered. We received over 800 submissions. Our team have been working hard to answer as many as we can, as quickly as we can. Besides leaving the house for walks, three big themes came up: financial support for business, caring for elderly relatives and food distribution.

The questions about business support are very interesting and show how distressing Covid-19 is for our economy and for Maverick Insiders. A recent SME survey conducted by Daily Maverick, showed that 17% of respondents had already closed doors from the impact of the crisis.

R500-million has been set aside for small and medium-sized enterprises by the Department of Small Business Development. Applications are being administered here. 

The Rupert and Oppenheimer families have committed R1-billion each to suporting the economic rescue efforts. Details of how the funding will be administered and how much will be available to employers and employees, respectively, are still being clarified. The Industrial Development Corporation is making  R2-billion available for distressed companies with details here.  

The Unemployed Insurance Fund (UIF) is dipping into its reserves to bring comfort to distressed workers. Over the next few days, the regulations and processes to secure this relief will become clearer. Daily Maverick will bring you as much information as possible. 

What about our older dependents?

We have had many questions from our readers who care for elders who live in their own homes and wonder how the shutdown affects this. We will soon have a story on this. 

And food distribution? 

We are currently working on a story about food distribution. However, the Minister of Tourism sent a notice to the restaruant industry detailing that all restaurants and bars will be shut for 21 days and there will be no food delivery services for the stipulated lockdown time. 

Below are a selection of the other most asked questions. Keep an eye on our Covid-19 articles in the coming days for more. 

Will I be able to leave my house to exercise or walk my dog? 

We all want clarity on this question and we should get it in tomorrow's security cluster briefing.

Will I be able to leave the house to go to the supermarket? 

Yes, you will be able to go to the supermarket should you require groceries. You will also be able to seek medical care, visit the pharmacy, get petrol, access banking services, and collect a social grant. 

No specific mention was made of NPOs who supply meals (primarily for hunger need & medicine control) food parcels etc into informal settlements... will these fall under Emergency Services?

In the briefing by Social Development Lindiwe Zulu, she said that NPO's would be declared essential services and will continue their vital work.

Can a lockdown period be extended?

Yes the lockdown period can be extended. When it's complete and if we have started to flatten the curve of infections, our freedom of movement will be returned to us. If, however, it does not then the lockdown will most likely be lengthened.

Will students who have to study via online learning be accommodated by cell phone operators to receive data/free access to learning resources?

Vodacom's e-learning portal for Gr R-12 learners is free to access and zero-rated for Vodacom data usage. The MTN Foundation has sponsored access to the Siyavula Foundation curriculum for Gr 10-12 learners and has made browsing zero rated on the MTN network. Some univerisities have arranged zero-rating of their e-learning portals with mobile carriers. More announcements are expected follow in respect of e-learning access and data packages.

Are internet providers considered an essential service?

Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel said that online connectivity is crucial during the lockdown and workers would be exempt to ensure it operates smoothly.

What happens if we have water leaks or power outage in home. Are service providers allowed to be called in?

All emergency staff related to power and water will remain available to assist with problems

Refuse removal services by municipalities to continue?

Yes, this is considered an essential service and will continue to operate

Will the military properly "confront" a riot/mob if required? Rubber bullets or the real thing?

The military do not carry rubber bullets. They will be assisting the police to quickly confront these kinds of situations. Their presence alone should greatly help reduce the risk of this kind of event.

How are the authorities going to ‘strictly control’ movement out if the house to be able to buy groceries, go to clinic or pharmacy, to the bank or just for fuel at a filling station?

There are likely to be road closures and lots of road-blocks. This will come down to self-management and discipline and recognising a common good.

I was in Estonia for 14 days before arriving back in CT midnight 17 March. I am in self isolation - do I have to present myself for screening?

You should first inform your healthcare provider telephonically, they will be able to advise you one what to do. Alternatively you can call the national hotline on 0800 029 999

Will clinics only be open for emergencies or will normal appointments still take place e.g. babies having scheduled inoculations?

Technically, yes. But there are big diversions of staff to the Covid-19 efforts. I would call the clinic beforehand to check. Gauteng, for example, has cancelled elective surgeries in the public sector.

Will families currently outside SA and returning by international flights after 26 March be put into quarantine upon their return?  If so, where is this likely to be?

All returning South African citizens will be placed into mandatory quarantine for 14 days. The government is currently setting up quarantine zones and we will keep you updated

I am moving house on Saturday  28th so can I do this ... can’t pay rent at two places?

Check with your local councillor. It is unlikely that you will be allowed to move during the lockdown. 

We are hugely grateful to our Maverick Insiders for contributing their questions to us. At Daily Maverick, we believe that our work is a public service. By engaging with us, you are making our journalism better. You are also ensuring that this crucial information is free for all South Africans. Now more than ever, we need fact-based, professional journalism to be accessible by all. If you are not yet a Maverick Insider and would like to become part of this Daily Maverick community, you can sign up here.