Alcohol sale, distribution, suspended with immediate effect
JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa says the sale of alcohol will be suspended with immediate effect. This is expected to alleviate the pressure placed on hospitals by alcohol-related incidents. He said this was necessary to conserve beds in hospitals for Covid-19.
Ramaphosa made the announcement during a media briefing on Sunday.
“We have therefore decided that in order to conserve hospital capacity, the sale, dispensing and distribution of alcohol will be suspended with immediate effect,” said Ramaphosa.
“There is now clear evidence that the resumption of alcohol sales has resulted in substantial pressure being put on hospitals, including trauma and ICU units, due to motor vehicle accidents, violence and related trauma,” he added.
The president also said there will be a curfew from 9 pm to 4 am and it will take effect tomorrow. Only people who are traveling to and from work and those traveling to the hospital will be allowed out during this time, Ramaphosa said.
The President also announced that the country will remain on alert level 3 lockdown.
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