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As the government marks the end of Child Protection Week, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in SA (SAAPA SA) believes stronger liquor legislation can make South Africa a safer place for children.
While the alcohol industry is breathing a sigh of relief following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address on Sunday evening, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in SA (SAAPA SA) was concerned that he did not announce specific measures targeting the use of alcohol.
Speaking to France24, Ramaphosa said SA was ready for a new wave of infections, should it come.
“We’ve been seeing the emergence of what we think could be a third wave coming through,” he said.
“We are watching it very closely. If it comes, we are ready. We are gearing up a whole number of measures. The issue of a lockdown is something that will only be looked at, depending on the severity of the third wave.”
Proposed measures
The SA Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa) has proposed 10 measures for the government to avoid a complete ban.
The measures include restricting access to alcohol, banning all alcohol advertisements except at point of sale, banning special reduced price offers for alcoholic beverages, and reducing the number of people at gatherings to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors.
President Cyril Ramaphosa. Image: Siya Duda/GCIS
The severity of a Covid-19 third wave, if it happens, would determine whether SA moves to a harder lockdown level.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who spoke to international media on Wednesday.
Ramaphosa was in Paris, France, where he attended the summit for the financing of African economies amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The summit was hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking to France24, Ramaphosa said SA was ready for the third wave, should it come.
“We’ve been seeing the emergence of what we think could be a third wave coming through,” he said.
Brace yourself for alcohol ban as SA faces third wave
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CAPE TOWN - There have been growing calls for government to impose restrictions on alcohol, as the country approaches the third wave.
Two consecutive weeks of increases in positive Covid-19 cases in SA;12,531 positive cases were confirmed for the week May 3-9 (46% increase over the previous week), and 17,133 cases for May 10-16 (38% increase over the previous week).
Although Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says new restrictions are inevitable as the country approaches the third wave, he has also called for the public not to panic and said discussions were underway with the National Coronavirus Command Council, on what is the best way to reduce the numbers from increasing.
Alcohol group calls for tough restrictions on booze access as 3rd wave looms The organisation said government should not wait until the health system becomes overburdened before restrictions are introduced. Picture: 123rf.com
3 hours ago
CAPE TOWN - The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance is urging government to respond to the threatening third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening the current restrictions on alcohol access.
The organisation on Monday said government should not wait until the health system became overburdened before introducing restrictions.
Director Maurice Smithers said government should take action sooner rather than later.
“The in and out of banning is not working, it’s causing a lot of economic pain for people.”