Hand sanitizers cannot be consumed as alcohol, warns organisation
The National Funerals Practitioners of South Africa (Nafupa) has cautioned the public against drinking hand sanitizers.
The Funeral Association reacted after posts on social media alluded to the fact that people have been drinking hand sanitisers as a substitute for alcohol.
The sale of alcohol has been prohibited during the coronavirus lockdown
Nafupa President Muzi Hlengwa says they have already been informed of deaths due to people consuming hand sanitiser alcohol.
"Some people have been drinking sanitizers and two out of those who drank them, have already died," he says.
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"We don't want to have unnecessary deaths that come out of reckless behavior. Sanitiser is not alcohol, it is a disinfectant and not meant to be drunk by anyone.
The strict disaster measures that came into effect in March has since led to South Africans finding other ways of brewing their own alcoholic beverages.
This includes pineapple beer, apple cider alcohol and traditional beer known as umqombothi.