South Africa Re-Imposes Curfew, Bans Alcohol As COVID-19 Cases Spike

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday re-imposed a night curfew and suspended the selling of alcohol after a spike in Covid-19 cases.

In late March, South Africa imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in Africa so as to combat the spread of the virus after rapidly recording cases, however, due to the impacts of the virus on the country’s economy, many restrictions were eased.

President Ramaphosa said on Sunday that South Africa will re-impose a ban on the sale of alcohol and a nighttime curfew to reduce pressure on its hospitals as coronavirus infections rise rapidly.

According to President Ramaphosa during a televised address, the country could not afford for its hospitals and clinics to be burdened with avoidable alcohol-related injuries topping on the already existing COVID-19 cases.

“As we head towards the peak of infections, it is vital that we do not burden our clinics and hospitals with alcohol-related injuries that could have been avoided,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation.

“This is a fight to save every life, and we need to save every bed, the coronavirus storm is far fiercer and more destructive than any we have known.” South African president added.

South Africa’s first Alcohol ban, implemented in March was lifted on June 1. However, South Africa’s president said that there is clear evidence that the resumption of alcohol sales resulted in substantial pressure being put on hospitals, including trauma and ICU units, due to motor vehicle accidents, violence as well as trauma that is alcohol-induced.

According to President Ramaphosa’s directives, the nighttime curfew will last from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. and take effect from Monday 13^th, 2020, apart from for those traveling to or from work or seeking medical help.

South Africa has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa and is now recording the fourth-largest daily increase in new cases worldwide.

South Africa’s health ministry reported 12,058 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 276,242. Deaths rose by 108 to 4,079.

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Compiled by Nsunjo Erica