People are using social distancing as an effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19. Governments have asked citizens to maintain a greater distance than usual, to keep physical distance from people, work from home and avoid congregating in large groups to minimise exposure.
Fearing high risk of safety violation by tipplers, many have expressed concern that closed air-conditioned rooms, dim lighting and sharing glasses make bars highly vulnerable to the coronavirus attack.
Liquor sales outlets where people queue up in large numbers are a major concern as it is difficult to ensure that people maintain social distancing of at least one metre in line.
Few people expect tipplers who stand in line willfully to obey the government instructions on social distancing. A scene at a state-owned beverages outlet at Thalassery in Kannur district of Kerala, however, could change this perception about them. In an image that has gone viral, people are seen diligently following the social distancing rule while waiting in long queues to buy liquor!
Kerala government has refused to close down the retail outlets owned by the state Beverage Corporation (Bevco) despite a strong demand for closing down. The Indian Medical Association had urged the state government to keep bars and Bevco outlets closed through the coronavirus outbreak.
But to the great relief of tipplers in the state, the government has so far not agreed to this.
Bevco’s managing director Sparjan Kumar G. said that masks, gloves and sanitisers have been given to all shops to ensure safety.