Author/Authors :
Matzopoulos, Richard School of Public Health & Family Medicine - University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa , Walls, Helen Faculty of Public Health and Policy - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK , Cook, Sarah Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health - London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK , London, Leslie School of Public Health & Family Medicine - University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract :
Evidence of the social impacts of emergency responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is emerging in several countries, including increased prevalence of domestic violence.1 Alcohol is the elephant in the room in mediating many such impacts, yet governments have been reluctant to address alcohol sales in the context of social-distancing measures. Exceptions include several African countries including South Africa, Namibia, and Madagascar.2 The dramatic decrease in violence and injuries following an alcohol sales ban in South Africa has implications for its alcohol policy post-lockdown as well as the current emergency response in other countries.
