Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has defended government’s decision to again suspend the sale of alcohol.
He’s cited an increase in trauma cases as the reason the ban had to return.
Minister Mkhize said that alcohol abuse was a big factor when it came to road collisions and violent crime.
He said that many of those admitted to hospital for alcohol-related emergencies were young and fit and should be nowhere near a medical facility.
While referencing only the Western Cape, Mkhize said that ICU numbers had increased generally after the ban on the sale of liquor was lifted last month.
“Some of the modeling that was done to predict the impact of the alcohol ban and these models demonstrated that the introduction of the suspension of alcohol sales could result in a 20% reduction of trauma and 40% reduction of all alcohol-related trauma by the third week.”
Mkhize said that with a constant surge in infections, it was up to South Africans to take responsibility for their own actions.
“It is a new painful reality that we can only curb this viral infection if we citizens behave. The choice that we have to make as South Africans for the sake of our own selves and our nation.”
Apart from the ban, a nighttime curfew is also back in effect.
More Stories
Eskom Warns Of Potential Stage Escalation Amid Protests
Monkeypox Is No Cause For Concern – Phaahla
No Plans To Call Off Search For Khaya Magadla
Eskom Warns Of Higher Stages Of Blackouts
Parliament To Receive Report In Four Months – Ramaphosa
South Africans No Longer Required To Wear Face Masks
NICD Reports 1 028 New COVID-19 Cases In SA
Winde Calls For Remaining COVID Restrictions To Be Dropped
No Request From Namibia On Theft Probe – Justice Dept
NICD Reports 1 087 New COVID-19 Cases In SA
Final Part Of State Capture Report Expected On Wednesday
Khaya Magadla’s Family Still Hope To Find Body