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President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 8:00 p.m. on Monday night (December 28) regarding developments related to South Africa’s Covid-19 response.
The speech follows a Sunday meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and special sessions today of the President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) and Cabinet.
Ramaphosa’s speech will be broadcast and broadcast on a variety of platforms that are accessible to South Africans and international audiences.
The president is expected to announce strict new lockdown restrictions in South Africa as a way to curb rising infection rates.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA WILL DIRECT THE NATION ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COVID-19 RESPONSE OF SA
President @CyrilRamaphosa will address the nation at 8:00 p.m. today, Monday, December 28, 2020, on developments in relation to the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
– Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 28, 2020
Bloomberg reported that the government is considering reinstating a total liquor sale ban as the number of Covid-19 infections rises during the summer holiday season, citing a person familiar with the discussions.
The ban could start on Tuesday (December 29) and last until January 10, 2021, said the person, who requested anonymity because the information is not public and a final decision has not been made.
South Africa had a record three days of infections through December 25, when it recorded 14,796 new cases. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize called a day earlier for stricter measures to curb the spread, which has already hit the economy. The number of confirmed cases in the country surpassed 1 million on Sunday.
The government’s National Coronavirus Command Council is expected to discuss a possible alcohol ban, said Lucky Ntimane, convener of Liquor Traders Formations, which represents liquor stores.
“We do not believe that a total ban on the sale of alcohol is a short-term or long-term solution,” the industry group said in a statement.
The liquor merchants coalition proposed curfew measures and alcohol restrictions, if any, that still allow off-site sales to allow for consumption at home. A complete closure of the liquor sale would mean “the end of the tavern market and the 250,000 direct jobs linked to the sector,” he said.
Alcoholic beverage companies operating in South Africa include Anheuser-Busch InBev SA, Diageo Plc, and Distell Group Holdings Ltd.
Read: Covid-19 Warning for South African Businesses in 2021
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