Horses bolted, wrong stable doors closed

Indeed, the extension of the curfew limits movement while at the same time allowing a level of economic activity required to sustain livelihoods to some extent. The suspension of alcohol, meanwhile, removes one of the potential “superspreaders” of COVID-19 which is large gatherings of intoxicated people unlikely to be observing health protocols or preventative measures.

On the face of it, limiting movement and eliminating one of the superspreaders could give authorities time to rein in the latest upsurge in cases and allow the strained public health resources time to recover ahead of an eventual relaxation.