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.
– Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8am to 4pm, 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.
