Queues for alcohol as South Africa eases restrictions

Many South Africans spent their Monday morning lining up outside liquor stores, as alcohol sales were allowed again after a two-month ban because of the coronavirus outbreak.

South Africa has eased its lockdown despite the government warning that the number of infections will continue to increase and the peak is not expected until August or September.

The country has reported over 32,000 COVID-19 cases, the most in Africa, and more than 600 deaths as of Monday.

Still, the relaxation of the alcohol ban came as a relief to many, who chose restocking their liquor cabinets instead of going straight to work on the day much of the country's economy also reopened.

Shelves of popular brands of alcohol were emptied in two hours at one liquor shop in an affluent suburb of Johannesburg, with only the most expensive products left unsold.

Alcohol is only allowed to be sold from Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 5 pm, under the new relaxed measures.

On the other hand, the reopening of most school classes was delayed and there was debate about how churches could safely resume services.

(Representative Image)