For many organisations and businesses, a communication plan has never been more important than now, with pandemics such as the Coronavirus making it impossible for some organisations to even operate. Now, companies are having to work through the most stringent of measures.

FIVESTAR PR has announced that it has been appointed to represent In Residence luxury villa rentals. The consultancy specialises in luxury travel and hospitality PR and is preparing a communications strategy for the return of local and international travel post the COVID-19 crisis.

For many South African companies, the COVID-19 outbreak has been their first real experience of remote working. Most people love it; they avoid their daily commute and get to work in their pyjamas, says Marno Boshoff, head of culture at King Price Insurance.

For a public relations professional, working from home will definitely be a huge adjustment because working in this industry means a lot of face-to-face communication with the press, clients and other agencies. With most of the world in lockdown, now’s the time to get the hang of remote working.

Journalist Thuleleni David Nkutha has announced the launch of a new media house for the youth. The house, called Youth Voice Media, aims to be a voice of empowerment for the youth.

The World Out of Home Organisation held its global conference call on Friday, March 27. The conference call included reports on the effect that the Coronavirus is having on societies across the world and business. It also welcomed news of inspiring social initiatives from various members.

PRISA past president, and founder and managing director of Reputation 1^st Group — Tshepo Matseba — has sent a message to South Africans, encouraging them to refrain from creating or sharing fake news regarding COVID-19.

Dunlop has launched its 'Don't Take The Road' campaign message, which has urged the public to leave the roads empty during the 21-day national lockdown. The brand has asked South Africa to stay home as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic. 

OFM has announced that it will bring South Africa more of the 'sound of your life' during the national lockdown period. The radio station has indicated that it will be supporting South African musicians by playing more local music during the lockdown. 

The SOS Children's Villages South Africa has made the following announcement in relation to the national lockdown and the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic in South Africa. The announcement sees the organisation calling on care professionals to prevent a 'care gap':