The Western Cape has seen an increase in trauma cases over the past ten days since the ban on the sale of alcohol was lifted last Monday. Alcohol may be sold during level 3 of the isolation period from Mondays to Thursdays.
“[The increase in trauma cases] is extremely worrying as the healthcare system is already under pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Albert Fritz, MEC for Community Safety in the Western Cape, said on Tuesday.
“I want to make it very clear: Abuse of alcohol takes beds away from people who need it during this difficult time. It may be a family member or loved one who needs that bed, ”the MEC pleaded.
According to Fritz, his department will continue to enforce relevant regulations through the Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA) in the province, with a specific focus on taverns. “We know that in our most vulnerable communities, taverns, especially those who are unlicensed, play a major role when it comes to alcohol-related harm,” Fritz explained.
