Alcohol ban can show positive results in matter of weeks – health minister

The reinstatement of the ban on the sale and transportation of alcohol could yield positive results in a matter of weeks resulting in thousands of hospital beds and resources being made available to combat Covid-19.

This according to health minister Dr Zwelini Mkhize, who briefed the media on Monday afternoon following new level 3 lockdown regulations announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.

The new regulations included the reinstatement of the alcohol ban, the reinstating of the curfew from between 21:00 and 04:00 daily as well as the wearing of masks being made mandatory.

These regulations were put in place as the number of Covid-19 cases across South Africa surged to alarming levels.

During Monday’s briefing, Mkhize explained the data behind the alcohol ban.

“Studies have shown that South Africa is one of the countries that drink the most, of which 31% of South Africans, 15 years and older, are consuming alcohol,” the minister said.

“Almost 6 out of ten drinkers are reported to engage in what is called ‘binge’ or excessive drinking.”

Mkhize said during levels 4 and 5 of the lockdown, when the sale of alcohol was banned, hospitals saw a 60 – 70% reduction in hospital visits and admissions related to trauma.

“After the restrictions were eased, hospitals experienced a notable surge in trauma-related cases.

“Young patients who would not otherwise have needed hospital treatment were ending up in hospital overwhelming healthcare workers.”

Mkhize said, using modelling, the department has estimated the new ban on alcohol could see trauma-related cases fall by 3 400 in only the first week.

“These models suggest the ban could result in a maximum reduction of around 6 800 cases by the end of the third week. This will greatly help to reduce the burden on staff in ICUs who are needed to help fight Covid-19.

“We have received various comments about this issue and we plead with the public for understanding and patience.

“It will be inexcusable to see hospital beds blocked up by something that was so easily avoidable.”

Mkhize also explained regulations allowing taxis to load to 100% of their maximum capacity when travelling short distances.

“We have consulted with the transport minister dealing with the issues relating to the taxi industry,” he said.

“The industry transports around 16 million people per day when the economy is running smoothly.

“We had to take this into account when considering the best way to get our people back to work.”

The minister explained, while studies showed the virus spread well in confined spaces, studies have also shown proper ventilation could help to prevent the spread of infection.

“For this reason, windows in taxis should be opened to allow the movement of air. This will allow droplets which spread Covid-19 to move out of the taxi, from one window to the next.”

The minister once again urged taxi operators not to allow commuters inside their taxis if they are not wearing masks.

We need to unite, follow the guidance of our President, and fight this virus together. #SocialClusterBriefing #NewNormal #HealthInput13July pic.twitter.com/6igY5aqdoR

— Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) July 13, 2020

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