South Africa Cigarette ban to remain in place

South Africa has reversed its decision to allow cigarette sales once coronavirus restrictions are eased at the start of next month, with a ban to continue indefinitely. 

The government had said cigarettes would be available to buy from 1st May. 

The leader of the National Coronavirus Command Council, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said health considerations had played a part in the decision not to lift the ban.

When the government announced the lockdown, South Africans were only given a few days’ notice to stock up on cigarettes.

The sale of alcohol has also been banned, in a bid to free up hospital beds usually occupied by alcohol-related trauma cases. 

However, there have been growing concerns of overzealousness by security forces in enforcing the ban. On 10th April, a man was allegedly beaten to death by members of the South African National Defence Force for drinking in his own yard.

From May, outdoor exercise will be allowed in South Africa, with some business set to reopen as well.

The country recorded 300 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. 

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