South Africa has lifted the ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco and announced relaxation of other lockdown restrictions. In a national address on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that South Africa will enter level 2 lockdown on Monday.
This will see bars and restaurants reopen with alcohol sales for onsite consumption permitted until 10 pm. Alcohol sales for home consumption will be available from Monday to Thursday.
Alcohol sales were prohibited in the initial lockdown in March, relaxed midway, and later reintroduced in mid-July following a resurgence of coronavirus cases. The ban saw industry players record subdued demand in the period, prompting them to cut down on investment and to stop hiring.
In addition, Ramaphosa lifted the ban on inter-provincial travel, social visits and going to the gym. However, restrictions on international travel, night time curfew, spectators at sporting events, and gathering of more than 50 people will still be in force.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says South Africa’s economy could contract by 8.2% should the nation experience a second wave of COVID-19.
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