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Coronavirus booze bans dangerous for alcoholics

A doctor in Thailand has spoken out about the dangers of a drinks ban for alcoholics in her home nation, which is one of a few to prohibit booze sales during the coronavirus lockdowns.

10% of Thailand’s one million heavy drinkers are believed to be dangerously dependent on alcohol, and therefore at risk due to the coronavirus booze ban

As reported by Thaivisa.com, up to 100,000 people in Thailand suffer from severe alcoholism, making the total and sudden stoppage of beer, wine and spirits sales in the country a danger for the dependent.

According to the online Thai news resource, Dr Sawitree Assanangkornchai – who is the director of the Centre for Alcohol Studies – has said that there is a risk of serious illness for an estimated 10% of Thailand’s one million regular drinkers who have alcohol dependency issues.

Although the doctor has been supportive of the blanket ban as a way to prevent social gatherings among Thai people during the national lockdown to slow the spread of Covid-19, she has also called for special support for alcoholics.

Speaking to PPTV – a digital terrestrial television in Thailand – she said that the lockdown measure could have devastating effects for the 100,000 people with severe alcohol dependency.

These would range from headaches to strokes and mental breakdowns, and would require medical intervention.

Thailand, along with Greenland and South Africa have banned all sales of alcohol during their coronavirus lockdowns. In contrast, in the UK, off-licences have been classed as “essential” retailers, and can therefore stay open during the lockdown.

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THE COUNTRIES THAT HAVE BANNED ALCOHOL SALES DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS

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