Botswana bans booze to combat coronavirus

Botswana has banned consumption of alcohol in public places and suspended all liquor licences and sales, including sales of traditional beer, to help in the nation's coronavirus battle.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi made the declaration through a gazette notice released by the government on Wednesday.

“The suspension of the sale of alcohol is based on evidence that consumption of alcohol increases the risks posed by COVID-19 due to its negative effects on adherence to COVID-19 protocols,” Masisi said.

Botswana had previously banned the sale of alcohol for two month during  lockdown .

In June, President Masisi warned that the government will re-impose restrictions if citizens behaved irresponsibly after they were eased. The government had decided to relax the sale and consumption of alcohol in a controlled manner as part of efforts to reopen the economy.

Botswana has reported 804 confirmed cases and two deaths and 63 recoveries from the disease as of August 5, according to the Africa CDC.