Alcohol sales could lead to decrease in Covid-19 hospital beds - Masuku
Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku says the unbanning of alcohol sales could lead to a decrease in the amount of hospital beds available for Covid-19 patients.
Masuku was speaking during a virtual sitting of the Gauteng legislature on Tuesday.
He said while the number of available beds fluctuates, hospital emergency units will need some of these Covid-19 beds due to accidents caused by drinking and driving.
"Beds availability always fluctuates, because the beds are not just lying there empty, because if there are patients who need them they will be utilised.
ALSO READ: One injured in Joburg CBD blaze
"With what we saw on alcohol consumption, we now know that some of our beds will be taken away by trauma and it might mean we need a different strategy."
Masuku confirmed that the provincial government is working to add more hospital beds.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of July so that they are ready for the expected peak in infections in August and September.