Minister says it’s inexcusable to clog beds with drinkers, but citizens point to apparent double standards
Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize briefs the media on new level 3 lockdown regulations, including the decision to ban the sale of alcohol.It would be “inexcusable” to have hospital beds filled by patients who are casualties of alcohol abuse when that could compromise the lives of those who need treatment for Covid-19.
Mkhize said almost six out of 10 drinkers over the age of 15 were reported to engage in “binge drinking”. There was a need to limit the number of trauma cases in hospitals as a result of alcohol abuse, he said. “At the end of the day, it will be inexcusable to end up with beds blocked by something completely preventable and avoidable, as consumption of alcohol, and end up with the lives of people with a difficult viral infection being compromised,” Mkhize said.Many South Africans were dismayed by the decision.
“My business is being affected because of the no-alcohol sale, but as much as it is affecting my business, I still feel like it is for a better cause. We will see money after ... as long as lives are being saved.In Queensburgh, south of Durban, Prakash Naidoo said he was disappointed with the decision to reinstate the ban.
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