An increasing number of coronavirus cases and deaths is what our news cover today. Most of the countries around the world have coronavirus cases. The coronavirus has affected most of the African countries as states try to curb the spread. South Africa, a country of a superb economy, has the most cases in Africa. Out of the over 100000 cases of coronavirus in Africa, SA has cases over 30000 and 600 deaths out of the thousands in the continent.
Due to this high number of coronavirus cases, the government decided to impose various measure including banning alcohol. However, as of this month, the story is different. The South African government decided to ease its restrictive measures. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that there will be no more prohibition of alcohol consumption. He added that there is the hope of reopening churches and schools countrywide.
South Africa Opens Liquor Stores
After the government announced its ease of alcohol restrictions, most South Africans were filled with joy. Earlier this week on Monday, many people crowded around alcohol shops as they carried bags to collect bottles of alcohol. Most of them were supposed to report at work that morning but the 2-month thirst for alcohol could not allow them.
Situation Of Towns In South Africa After Lifting Alcohol Ban
People in various cities in South Africa have flooded liquor shops to buy alcohol. In Macassar town, residents had left home before 5 am to line up in liquor shops that were to open around 9 am. In Somerset West town, people are lining up observing the social distancing rule to buy alcohol in the liquor shops. Johannesburg residents were filled with a lot of joy as we see the sellers removing screens from racks of wine to sell booze. People cleared the cabinets and shelves of cheap famous brands leaving the expensive brands of alcohol.
The Government Of South Africa Issues Warnings Amid Lifting The Ban
Despite the government relaxing its measures, there are limitations on the consumption of alcohol. Authorities said that people should consume alcohol at home and sellers to operate from Monday to Thursday (9 am-5 pm). It also warned against piling stock and restricted on how much buyers could purchase since others would buy from more than a single shop.
The toughest measures would befall coronavirus hotspots such as Cape Town and Joburg. This is because the government gave a strict warning that they would return the cities to the alert level 5 if there would be less improvement of cases.
South African Government On Education Sector
As the country is returning to normalcy, the education department announced that schools will resume countrywide on 8th June. Some learning institutions had already resumed as the government had initially planned. However, there is a suspension of reopening some grade classes for a further 7 days. This is because some schools had not prepared well and they needed more time for preparation especially grades 12 and 7 classes. As the resumption of classes is ongoing, the government gave some directives. Every student should check their temperatures using a thermometer and answer questions before entering the school.
South African Religious Authorities Debate On Resuming Church Services
A human being is a spiritual being that needs to worship God. Ramaphosa allowed churches to resume activities on Monday but others rejected the proposal. Some religious leaders also said they will remain closed. The reason behind the rejection is because most religious groups believe that by so doing more lives are in danger in those structures. Besides, limiting the number of people to 50 in the church is against their principles.
Jesuit Institute Of South Africa Opinion Concerning Churches Reopening
The JISA is against the reopening of places of worship since it believes it will result in more cases of coronavirus. JISA also challenged the aspect of not allowing more than 50 people in the places of worship.
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