South Africa: Queues end as ban on alcohol and cigarettes ends

For the first time in weeks, South Africans are allowed to buy alcohol and cigarettes because the government escapes the lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Long queues of eager customers formed outside stores just hours after the new rules went into effect.

The government said it had demanded the lockdown as South Africa saw a decline in coronavirus cases.

It has recorded the highest number of cases and deaths in Africa.

More than 500,000 infections and 11,000 deaths related to Covid-19 have been reported in the country.

South Africa has the most effective coronavirus testing system in Africa.

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Tobacco and alcohol companies opposed the ban on the sale of liquor and cigarettes, saying it had a negative impact on the company.

Medical experts supported the ban, however, saying it was vital for people to lead healthy lives while helping to reduce the pressure on health services.

Some experts say smokers increase the risk of spreading the virus because they project drops – and potentially Covid-19 if infected – when they exhale smoke.

Last week, Police Minister Bheki Cele said most of the crimes committed between April and June – including sexual assault and arson – were experienced because of the unlock.

Violent and property-related crimes went down by 29%, he said.

This is the second time this year that South Africa has lifted its alcohol ban – after doing the same shortly in July.

Under the new “level two” guidance, people can also travel between provinces, while visits to family and friends are allowed in small groups of up to 10 people.

Parks and beaches have also reopened and sporting events can go ahead without spectators.

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Wearing face masks in public remains mandatory.

Alcohol sales are only allowed between 9am and 5pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and South Africans are subject to a nightly starting point of 10pm to 4pm.

‘Coronavirus Cannot Stop Corona’

Many South Africans have told local media of their relief – including one satisfied woman tutoring her pack of cigarettes, according to TimesLive.

On Twitter, Petri van Zyl joked that fumes of “happy smokers” could be seen from space:

“Not even coronavirus can stop Corona sales [beer], “ said Moe Chanda on Twitter, meanwhile Thabiso Buthelezi reminds people to “drink responsibly” and continue to wear masks and wash their hands.