This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
On Sunday, July 12, 2020, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a series of drastic measures to combat the rapid spread of coronavirus.
With daily infections skyrocketing to at least 12,000, and around 500 new cases reported every hour, the country's healthcare system is severely strained.
South Africa has been the worst-affected country on the continent, with 276,242 registered cases and 4,079 deaths as of Sunday.
"As we head towards the peak of infections, it is vital that we do not burden our clinics and hospitals with alcohol-related injuries that could have been avoided," Ramaphosa said in a televised address to the nation.
He announced that the sale, dispensing, and distribution of alcohol would be suspended with immediate effect, citing the need to conserve hospital capacity.
This move comes after South Africa's first booze ban, implemented in March, was lifted on June 1.
However, Ramaphosa rescinded the move, saying "there is now clear evidence that the resumption of alcohol sales has resulted in substantial pressure being put on hospitals, including trauma and ICU units, due to motor vehicle accidents, violence as well as trauma that is alcohol-induced."
He also ordered a curfew from 9pm (1900GMT) until 4am (0200GMT) starting Monday, and outlawed family and social visits, which have been blamed for helping the virus spread.
