- Title: South Africa reimposes alcohol ban, curfew as coronavirus cases spike
- Date: 13th July 2020
- Summary: NEWSPAPER HEADLINE READING (English): "ALCOHOL SALES BANNED AGAIN"
- Embargoed: 27th July 2020 12:07
- Keywords: COVID-19. Cyril Ramaphosa South Africa alcohol ban coroanvirus
- Location: PRETORIA AND JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
- City: PRETORIA AND JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Health/Medicine
- Reuters ID: LVA002CMN7R5Z
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: South Africa reimposed a ban on the sale of alcohol and a nighttime curfew on Monday (July 13) to reduce pressure on its hospitals as coronavirus infections rise rapidly.
President Cyril Ramaphosa government imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the world in late March and delayed a surge in infections, but has since eased many restrictions over fears for its struggling economy.
South Africa has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa and is now recording the fourth-largest daily increase in new cases worldwide.
Ramaphosa said in a televised address on Sunday (July 12) that the country could not afford for its hospitals and clinics to be burdened with avoidable alcohol-related injuries.
The nighttime curfew will last from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., taking affect from Monday, apart from for those travelling to or from work or seeking medical help.
The health ministry reported 12,058 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 276,242. Deaths rose by 108 to 4,079.
(Production: Shafiek Tassiem, Siyabonga Sishi, Matthew Stock, Aiden Nulty) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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