President Cyril Ramaphosa said the suspension on the sale of alcohol was necessary to free up healthcare resources to battle COVID-19.
“Now that infections are rising our health facilities… face challenges,” he said. The president re-imposed a night curfew and a controversial alcohol sales ban on Sunday to ease pressure on hospitals. Those restrictions had been gradually lifted after a strict seven-week lockdown.
“It gave us an opportunity to prepare, to prepare our health facilities to be able to deal and cope with the rising infections,” Ramaphosa assured.
Speaking on tobacco, the president says it is a suspension that will be dealt with as the country moves up the levels. Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
Help protect your loved ones by sharing this official South African government COVID-19 service with your family, friends and community. Send HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp.
The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.
In other news – South Africa now has more COVID-19 cases than the UK and China
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has announced that South Africa now has 311,049 confirmed COVID-19 cases – a daily increase of 12,757. Read more
Source: eNCA
