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The South African wine industry says it shares the National Coronavirus Command Council's concern about an increase in Covid-19 infections, but welcomes a risk-based approach to introducing measures aimed at reducing the number of active cases during the festive season.
Industry body, Vinpro says it is relieved that the government has not imposed stricter restrictions that would have had a detrimental effect on wineries, wine tourism destinations, and the thousands of families that depend on the industry during the festive season.
This, after Health Minister Joe Phaahla said that the National Coronavirus Command Council had decided to keep the country on the adapted Level One lockdown for the time being.
Vinpro CEO Rico Basson says this shows that the government is responding positively to the industry's ongoing requests for risk- and fact-based decision-making regarding trade restrictions on the liquor industry.
Meanwhile, Phaahla called for responsible behaviour and stronger compliance with COVID-19 prevention and treatment protocols during the festive season.
“The NCCC has reflected on the current COVID-19 situation and deliberated on [a] number of recommendations tabled by the Department of Health as part of safety measures to prevent a possible surge in COVID-19 infections associated with social gatherings which can be ‘super spreader’ events carrying a huge risk of transmission of the virus,” said the department on Thursday.
The Council has directed the department to closely monitor the rising COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations, mortality, and recovery rates, which are largely driven by the Omicron variant, which is contributing to the fourth wave in the country.
According to scientific studies, the virus is spreading quicker than in previous waves, but the rates of hospitalisations and deaths remain relatively low.
The Minister said that it is in South Africa’s hands to maintain the current break in the clouds into lasting sunshine in order to have a safer and joyous Christmas and prosperous New Year.
