South Africa bans alcohol again

South Africa has banned the sale of alcohol again as Covid-19 infection and death rates rise after the government released lockdown. With over 311,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of 4,453, the pandemic is just starting in South Africa. Earlier the government had reversed an earlier lockdown and ban on alcohol sales over concerns of the weak economy. With higher testing in South Africa the scale of the problem is becoming apparent.

The ban of alcohol sales in South Africa has been imposed because the government believes that drinking results in an increase in pressure on the health system, with increases in car accidents caused by drink drivers, violence and related trauma. The export of wines is not banned in South Africa. In addition to the alcohol ban, the country has instated a night-time curfew between the hours of 9pm and 4am, while masks must be worn at all times while in public places.