Covid-19 update: Taverns dubbed Covid-19 hotspots as concerns raised

Taverns are increasingly becoming a cause for concern as Covid-19 infections linked to these establishments spike. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic in South Africa.

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Recent incidents have turned the spotlight back onto pubs and taverns with an increasing number of positive cases linked to these businesses.

With Covid-19 infections rising, the alcohol industry is now concerned that the government may reconsider reimposing harsher restrictions.

Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates below:

1. Taverns identified as Covid-19 hotspots

Establishments where liquor is consumed, like pubs and taverns, have been highlighted as hotspots when it comes to Covid-19.

A number of incidents have been traced back to similar businesses in recent days and the alcohol industry is raising concerns that the government might act.

While the nation is currently at Level 1 restrictions, the sector is worried a clampdown may be on the cards. This may well become a reality if the chances of a second wave of infections increase.

eNCA reports that the industry in the Western Cape has noted that over 44 licensed traders have had their licenses suspended for breaking lockdown restrictions.

While violations have been recorded, the view was raised that authorities may be unfairly targeting these businesses.

If the restrictions are tightened, the industry is concerns that it may be the death of hundreds of businesses.

2. Mkhize on latest statistics

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has updated South Africans on the latest number of Covid-19 cases and fatalities.

Touching on infections, Mkhize confirmed in a statement issued by the Department of Health on Tuesday evening that:

"As of today, the cumulative number of detected COVID-19 cases is 706 304."

As for fatalities, the Minister confirmed that more deaths had been recorded over the course of the last day:

"Regrettably, we report 164 COVID-19 related deaths today: 46 from Eastern Cape, 41 from the Free State, 52 from Gauteng, 1 from Mpumalanga, 2 from Northern Cape, 8 from Western Cape and 9 from KwaZulu Natal, 5 from Limpopo. This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 18 656."

Mkhize also confirmed that recoveries now stand at 639 568 which translates to a recovery rate of 90%.

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that a recent event at Cape Town's Tin Roof bar has seen 89 positive Covid-19 cases confirmed after attendants, mostly matriculants, were traced back to the Claremont venue.

An investigation into the event has been kicked off by authorities after a general practitioner contacted other doctors and then the Western Cape health department.

Department head Keith Cloete held a digital briefing on the situation which is a great cause of concern with matric exams fast approaching:

"This is where individual responsible behaviour and collective responsible behaviour comes together."

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Source: Briefly News