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Democratic Alliance leader, John Steenhuisen, has called for an “outright end” to the curfew before New Year’s eve, saying hospitalisation rates are low and the Omicron variant has proved to be far milder than past variants.
He said vaccines have proven to be extremely effective at protecting against severe disease and death adding that those in the high-risk group have had ample opportunity to opt for personal protection.
“The real crisis now is the state of the economy and widespread suffering from loss of livelihoods,” he said.
“Ending the curfew is an easy and logical way to boost the economy, particularly the restaurant and events industry, which are major employers and have taken huge strain and made immense sacrifices during the pandemic.”
Steenhuisen said it was not just the economy that needed a boost but “national morale” as well.
“This year, much of the suffering endured by the people of this country has been due to pointless, irrational, ill-considered policy, starting with beach bans. Let’s end 2021 and begin 2022 on a smarter, more positive note.”
“People should be able to legally come together with friends and family to celebrate the start of 2022 and the end of an incredibly tough 2021. Most people aren’t observing curfew anyway,” he said.
