Winde Upset After Booze Ban Lifting Sees Spike in Trauma Cases

Friday, February 12, 2021 at 5:18 PM by Samantha Riddle

- Premier Alan Winde is upset that the relaxing of the liquor ban has prompted a spike in trauma cases

- This influx was reportedly immediate after the alcohol ban was lifted amid the Covid-19 lockdown

- Winde appealed to citizens to act responsibly when consuming alcohol

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Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is upset that the alcohol ban relaxing has prompted an immediate increase in trauma cases.

Mainstream — Winde expressed his disappointment in the spike in trauma cases. Image: Alan Winde/ Twitter
Source: Twitter

Speaking during a media briefing on the Covid-19 pandemic in the province, provincial head of health Dr Keith Cloete noted that the spike in trauma cases (105%) was instant.

Winde expressed his disappointment in the situation only a week after the controversial ban was lifted:

“I once again appeal to residents to drink responsibly. Excessive, and irresponsible alcohol use contribute significantly to trauma such as car accidents, injuries and interpersonal violence. As a province, we are working to put in place smart, targeted interventions, but we require citizens to play their part too."

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Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, infections disease specialist and vaccine scientist, has detailed how the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will now be used in place of the AstraZeneca variant:

“This is a single vaccination regimen J&J have applied for emergency use and have submitted a request for an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) at the United States Food and Drug Administration last week.”

This application is also taking place in other nations, including in South Africa according to Bekker.

Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo explained that the circumstances provide little clarity over the vaccine, which has given people the opportunity to spread fake information about the vaccines:

“It is crucial for us, as a government, to give people the correct information and to be proactive in creating awareness among the people. This is why we keep on working with the scientists as they give us proper information."

Dr Cloete noted that Covid-19 infections in the province continue to decline for the fourth week in a row:

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“Two of the most important indicators, hospitalisations and deaths, have also shown significant declines, registering 29% and 37% drops week on week respectively. The number of people hospitalised has dropped below the 2 000 mark, but we must not lose sight of the fact that nearly 2 000 people are still hospitalised with this virus, with 383 of them in ICU or high care."

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on the evening of Thursday 11 February.

Ramaphosa spoke about the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccine rollout in the country. The president stated that the AstraZeneca vaccine's low efficacy will not delay the vaccine rollout in the country, which is set to start in March.

Ramaphosa added that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is more effective against the 501Y.V2 variant, will be used.