CAPE TOWN- South Africans have taken to social media to show their disapproval of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stance to continue the national alcohol ban during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The lockdown was imposed at midnight on March 26 to reduce the rapid spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The national lockdown was initially set for 21 days but was extended for another 14 days.
The country's latest Covid-19 statistics show 3 158 positive cases and 54 deaths following 114 711 conducted tests. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the consumption of alcohol could elevate these figures.
Here are five reasons why alcohol should remain banned during the national lockdown period:
1) It affects the immune system
Alcohol use, and especially heavy use, weakens the immune system which places you at a higher risk as it reduces the ability to cope with infectious diseases.
2) Abuse / Violence
Alcohol during lockdown could increase the frequency and severity of interpersonal violence such as sexual violence, youth violence and elder abuse.
It puts certain people at risk. People with previous drinking problems, women and children who are suffering from domestic violence.
3) High risk-taking behaviour
Alcohol is not a good coping mechanism, it is known to increase symptoms of panic, depression and anxiety disorders.
Alcohol alters your thoughts, judgement, decision-making and behaviour.
4) Alcohol disorders
People with an alcohol use disorder are at greater risk of contracting Covid-19 because they are most likely to experience homelessness or incarceration than other members of the population.
5) Risk to other diseases
Heavy use of alcohol increases the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the most severe complications of COovid-19; and in small quantities, it’s also known to cause certain types of cancer.
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