Mkhize welcomes decision to not lift alcohol ban

Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, has applauded president, Cyril Ramaphosa’s, refusal to lift a ban on alcohol and cigarette sales.

On Friday, the president announced that the ban would remain in place for the remainder of the extended nationwide lockdown.

He says alcohol and cigarettes are a hindrance to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and they are also not deemed an essential service.

Mkhize says he agrees with president Ramaphosa.

“We believe that those who smoke are more vulnerable to being affected because of the fact that COVID-19 does affect the capacity of the lungs to be able process the normal day to day exchange of gases in the lungs.”

By: Sanelisiwe Dlangamandla