South Africa’s lockdown reveals a deadly habit

Q: South Africa’s lockdown to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus includes a ban on the sale and transport of alcohol. Health officials say the strict alcohol ban has cut admissions to hospital trauma units more than 5,000 per week. Where is South Africa?

Circle the area on this map


Q: Unlike most countries fighting COVID-19, the number of deaths in South Africa is actually lower than what would be expected without the pandemic. What has happened to the death rate in the United States since the start of COVID-19?

A. Risen sharply

B. Declined slightly

C. About the same

Q: One South African study found that “at least 15 people who would have otherwise died from alcohol-related traumas are being saved every single day.” South Africa’s overall death rate ranks 50th highest among 229 nations. Which of these nations has a LOWER death rate than South Africa?

A. Germany

B. France

C. Japan

D. United States

Q: South Africans 15 years or older drink more than in any other country in Africa, according to a study by the World Health Organization. What nation on South Africa’s northeastern border consumes only about a fifth as much alcohol?

A. Cameroon

B. Libya

C. Mozambique

D. Tanzania

Q: The United States banned alcohol from 1920 to 1933, but Prohibition was widely considered a failure when bootlegging became widespread and led to a big growth in organized crime. What other country tried to prohibit the sale of alcohol?

A. Finland

B. Iceland

C. Russia

D. All of the above


Answers for this quiz: Click here