A two-month ban on alcohol sales could potentially see 50,000 fewer trauma patients presenting at public hospitals, freeing up desperately needed staff and beds for treating thousands of extra Covid-19 cases, according to modelling by the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Public hospitals in several provinces are taking strain as the number of Covid-19 patients with severe illness soars. Gauteng has reported a three-fold increase in hospital admissions in the past fortnight, while Western Cape has already begun admitting patients to field hospitals specially built for Covid-19 patients...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.