President Cyril Ramaphosa says that a number of factors will be considered before South Africa lifts the ban on the sale of tobacco products.<\/p>\n
Responding in a written parliamentary question from the DA<\/a><\/strong>, Ramaphosa indicated that there is no clear date set for when the ban will be lifted.<\/p>\n “At this stage, it is difficult to determine when the ban on the sale of tobacco and related products will be lifted,” he said.<\/p>\n “This will depend on such factors as the progression of the disease<\/strong> in South Africa, the readiness of our health systems<\/strong> and evolving knowledge on the nature and impact of the virus<\/strong> itself.”<\/p>\n Ramaphosa added that prohibition on the sale of tobacco products was not taken lightly.<\/p>\n “The decision to promulgate the Disaster Management Regulations, including regulation 27, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products, e-cigarettes and related products was taken after careful consideration,” he said.<\/p>\n “Not only of the submissions received, but also the relevant medical literature focusing inter alia on the effects of smoking on public and individual health, especially in the face of a respiratory illness such as Covid-19.<\/p>\n “After my initial announcement on 23 April 2020, following representations that were made by various organisations and individuals and further consideration of relevant medical studies and advice, a different position was ultimately adopted by the National Coronavirus Command Council and thereafter by cabinet before the regulations were promulgated.”<\/p>\n