President Ramaphosa keeps SA at Level 3: Liquor ban, curfew return

- President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again addressed South Africa on the Covid-19 pandemic

- Ramaphosa was expected to announce a number of measures, including a possible return of the liquor ban

- The president announced that the liquor ban has now beenreimplemented with immediate effect

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has held yet another 'family meeting' with South Africa over the Covid-19 pandemic and the measures the government has undertaken to combat the virus.

The address comes as the nation continues to record high infection rates ahead of the expected peak.

Ramaphosa revealed that SA will remain on Level 3 of the lockdown, explaining that shifting the nation back to Level 4 or 5 would not result in fewer infections and would negatively impact the economy.

The president announced that face masks are now legally mandated, calling on companies to ensure their employees comply with this rule.

Taxis ferrying passengers on short trips are now allowed to carry 100% of their capacity, while long-distance trips are still subjected to the 70% rule.

Ramaphosa also announced that liquor will now be suspended with immediate effect, saying that this would provide relief in hospitals.

A curfew has now been put into place between 9pm and 4am with the exception of those seeking emergency services and will kick in as of Monday.

The National State of Disaster has now been extended and will remain in place until 15 August.

READ ALSO: Jobs on the line: Liquor industry ahead of Ramaphosa's address

Earlier this week, Briefly.co.za reported that Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize had approached the National Coronavirus Command Council in a bid to see stricter regulations on the sale of alcohol.

The minister had explained that hospitals are taking strain due to a rise in liquor-related trauma patients:

“We have tabled this issue so that the NCCC (National Coronavirus Command Council) must consider because we think while we are going through this situation, it’s a matter that we must look at.”

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Source: Briefly News