Health MEC speaks on prohibiting alcohol sales to the unvaccinated
Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba says that although the vaccination is not compulsory, people need a 'bit of a push' to understand why they should be vaccinated.
LIMPOPO – One million vaccinations have been administered in the province since the initial rollout earlier this year. Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba says her department is aiming to vaccinate 3,5 million citizens in the province before the end of this year.
Read more: Limpopo Covid-19 vaccinations: One million…and counting
Ramathuba says the province has the capacity and the ability to attain the envisaged figure and has put various plans in action to attain this milestone.
Last week the MEC told Polokwane Observer of their plans to engage the liquor industry to limit alcohol sales to those who are not vaccinated.
“We are saying they must not allow those who are not vaccinated on their premises. Owners of shebeens and taverns must not be allowed to sell liquor to those who did not vaccinate. Those who want to purchase liquor must produce their vaccination certificates.”
In an interview with Jacaranda FM earlier this week, Ramathuba encouraged alcohol industries among others to come onboard to discuss ways to get people to vaccinate in the province.
‘We have already started to lobby the alcohol industry to work together with the department. We are interested in the economy and health of our country and if our alcohol industry can come onboard and indicate that they have a right to refuse to sell alcohol to someone who refuses to get vaccinated, we can balance the rights.
“We know vaccination is not compulsory, but we as public health are saying that we are dealing with a notifiable disease which is responsible for the pandemic, closing our economy and causing havoc.”
As the department we have started the debate now because people need a bit of a ‘push’ to understand why they should be vaccinated.
She added that discussion will not be limited to the alcohol industry only, but that the department will also approach other industries.
“We want to approach PSL bosses to discuss the probability of limiting entry to stadiums to vaccinated fans only.”
Ramathuba reiterated that Covid-19 is cruel and brutal, it doesn’t care who you are. We are urging our people to get vaccinated because vaccines can save lives.
