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President Cyril Ramaphosa lifted the ban on the sale of alcoholic products this week. (Photo by Gallo Images / Jacques Stander)
- Police and emergency services in Durban reported an increase in traffic accidents and social gatherings after the alcohol trade resumed.
- Domestic violence, violent fights after increased alcohol consumption.
- Authorities are concerned that social gatherings could fuel coronavirus infections again.
Emergency services and police in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal have had their hands full responding to traffic accidents and alcohol-fueled house parties the first weekend after the government lifted the Covid alcohol ban. 19.
ALS Paramedics Medical Services CEO Garrith Jamieson said paramedics were busy responding to alcohol-related traffic accidents, including during curfew.
“Everything fell on the first day after the removal of the ban on [the] liquor trade. We have been treating trauma injuries ever since. We increased emergency vehicles and prepared for what was to come. Our paramedics have been busy even on weekdays and during curfew hours, “Jamieson said Sunday.
At least 46,180 people have succumbed to Covid-19 in South Africa. Durban, a Covid-19 hotspot, has recorded 320,579 confirmed cases and 9,079 deaths so far.
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Metro police spokesman Chief Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad said beach gatherings and noisy house parties had skyrocketed.
“There is nothing wrong with visiting the beaches as they are now open to the public. The worrying part is broken alcohol bottles, which could result in people getting hurt. We have been responding to complaints about music high in house meetings, violent fights and vehicle accidents. “
Cases of domestic violence have also increased since the lifting of the alcohol ban, Sewpersad added.
Authorities urged people not to lower their guard in light of the softened Tier 3 regulations and to continue to adhere to Covid-19 protocols.
With the liquor trade going unban, the government feared that coronavirus infections could rise again through social gatherings, where partygoers do not practice social distancing or wear face masks.
South Africa’s cases had risen to more than 1.4 million, with 3,184 new infections recorded since the last official report.
