With the rate of mental illnesses climbing due to the lockdown and the general COVID-19 situation, it is vital that employers find a way to balance the needs of business and the needs of its employees to ensure that productivity is maintained and mental health is supported.

Companies and businesses need to be well equipped with the necessary knowledge, budget and resources to successfully implement remote working. Workers also need to ensure that they are mentally and resourcefully prepared to take on remote jobs. Communication and cooperation are the keys to ensure that both the needs of the employer and employee are met. In South Africa, government support will be needed to promote this idea so that resources and education are provided to businesses and current and future employees.

The need to put the health of the people before the interests of imposing high tariffs and sanctions is at its peak, but are governments really going to consider this need in relation to food and medical supplies and does international trade policy cater for this?