Restaurant industry joins calls to end curfew before New Year's Eve

CEO of the Restaurant Association of South Africa (RASA) Wendy Alberts says there are several reasons why the curfew is no longer necessary

“It is very evident that the hospital admissions are lower and there’s absolutely no impact on the healthcare system at this point in time," Alberts said. 

"What we need to be reminded of, is that lockdown and the curfew were instated to prepare the health system.

“There’s absolutely no scientific data proving that curfew prevents the spread of the virus and South Africans deserve to be free and celebrate New Year’s Eve legally with friends and family.

“This will boost the industry, boost events and even churches will benefit.”

READ: Traffic to peak in the new year as travellers return home

Alberts adds that the restaurant industry has done everything it can to support government efforts in fighting the coronavirus.

“We certainly made all the sacrifices over the last two years to support government and the president in controlling the spread of Covid-19, understanding the virus and assisting and managing the various waves," Alberts said

“We hope we will have reprieve by this New Year’s Eve.

"As we have seen with the management of the fourth wave, the public have become responsible and make informed decisions that protect themselves and their families."