The Zimbabwe Republic Police has banned the sale of alcohol in retail outlets, bars and bottle stores countrywide during the 21-day lockdown to enforce compliance with social distancing requirements.
The ban came into effect on Thursday, with national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi saying police have been deployed to take action on shops that defy the ban. He said:
The lockdown measures were clearly stated and in light of ensuring that we fight COVID-19, there will be no sale of alcohol at any point in places like bottle stores and supermarkets. This comes as we have realised that people who buy alcohol at supermarkets are giving us challenges. They buy and drink as groups, be it either in their vehicles or places of residence thereby defying social distancing.
Action will be taken on all those who will defy the order and sell alcohol at any bases. The police today (yesterday) started to take full action and will be visible on the ground throughout the lockdown.
Asst Comm Nyathi added that people should take heed of the threat posed by the novel coronavirus and put their health first and that of every citizen in the country.