Covid-19 update: Liquor industry says it won't survive drawn out ban
South African liquor traders have called on the government to relax the current alcohol ban. Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa.
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The booze ban is in full effect and the industry is baulking under the pressure to keep afloat.
Source: UGC
The sector has called upon President Cyril Ramaphosa to relax the ban, warning that job losses will be inevitable if the restrictions continue.
Briefly.co.za explores the latest updates on the pandemic below:
1. Liquor industry pleads for ban to be lifted
The liquor industry is feeling the strain of a reimplemented alcohol ban in South Africa and are pleading with the government to lift it.
Numerous traders say that, should relief not be granted soon, the 'unconstitutional' regulation will cost the nation countless jobs.
Many warn that the industry will not be able to survive another lengthy ban on sales with this the third round of restrictions.
This comes as SA Breweries launches a legal bid in an attempt to have the ban overturned, claiming that all attempts to find an alternative during consultations with the state have failed.
2. Mkhize on latest statistics
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has once again updated South Africans on the latest Covid-19 statistics.
In a statement released by the Department of Health on Saturday evening, Mkhize noted that:
"As of today, the cumulative total of COVID-19 cases identified in South Africa is 1 214 176."
In addition to the latest infections, the Minister also confirmed the recorded fatalities:
"Regrettably, we report a further 399 COVID-19 related deaths: Eastern Cape 85, Free State 11, Gauteng 69, Kwa-Zulu Natal 96, Limpopo 5, Mpumalanga 15, Northern Cape 12 and Western Cape 106. This brings the total deaths to 32 824."
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the South African National Defence Force has arrived in the Western Cape with a deployment of around 170 soldiers.
The SANDF is tasked with helping the provincial administration ensure citizens adhere to lockdown regulations.
In addition to the troops, medics are set to help in rural hospitals based in Paarl and Worcester during the next few days.
The first operation, in collaboration with local law enforcers and the police, the army patrolled Kraaifontein, Samora Machel and Mitchells Plain.
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Source: Briefly News
