EFF rejects alcohol sales and opening of schools
The Economic Freedom Fighters EFF party believes that opening of schools and lifting ban on alcohol sales will affect the progress of curbing the spread of COVID-19 virus.
The party urges the government to stick to credible scientific data when making critical decisions.
In a statement, EFF said the sale of alcohol will worsen the situation.
EFF spokesperson Vuyani Pambo said “currently no creditable scientific data that illustrates that the easing of the lockdown regulations, even with precautionary measures such as wearing masks, washing hands and constantly using hands sanitisers will not lead to the increased spread of the [coronavirus].
“The intention to permit the sale of alcohol will only worsen the situation because, even where there is no effort to contain a pandemic, alcohol has been responsible for many health-related and social ills in society”.
The EFF has demanded that the government reconsider the “premature, senseless and reckless re-opening” of the economy and schools, until scientific evidence shows it is safe to do so.
The party has also demanded that, once schools open, various safety measures be implemented.
These include additional classrooms to limit the teacher-to-pupil ratio to 1:20; social distancing spaces, including assembly points and retail food spaces; the discontinuation of contact sporting activities; clean water supply and clean toilets for all schools.
“We know that many schools, especially in rural areas and townships, do not meet these conditions and therefore the intention to reopen schools before these conditions are met must be rejected with contempt,” said Pambo.
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The EFF have received a lot of credit for allowing the government to deal with the virus without unnecessary political pressure.
Politics aside, the EFF have not politicized the Covid19 national crisis. They have given Government some space to act under difficult circumstances. They have refrained from any opportunism during this period.
Politics aside, the EFF have not politicized the Covid19 national crisis. They have given Government some space to act under difficult circumstances. They have refrained from any opportunism during this period. 🇿🇦
— Simon Grindrod (@SimonPGrindrod) May 22, 2020