Latest Alcohol-Related COVID-19 Measures Include Restricting Sales Near Popular Drinking Days
In an effort to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf ordered that bars and restaurants stop selling alcohol at 5:00 pm on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and could resume selling at 8:00 am on Thursday, as reported by the New York Post.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving has been referred to as Blackout Wednesday throughout the years. A popular drinking holiday, many people flock to the bars on Thanksgiving Eve. Experts believe that people gathering at bars and restaurants may be a common source for spreading the virus. Governors throughout the country have attempted to reduce the spread by limiting alcohol sales or restricting them altogether.
Handling Multiple Problems
Thanksgiving and the night before are notorious for heavy drinking. Restricting alcohol sales may help two-fold by reducing the number of people gathering at bars and restaurants on a popular drinking day and by limiting access to alcohol during a brewing substance use crisis.
As we have written about in this blog, in addition to the health crisis and economic hardships, medical professionals fear that there may be a drastic increase in alcohol and drug use. Across the nation, people have seen a rise in alcohol sales and opioid drug use. Many attribute the increase in alcohol consumption and prescription drug use to the stress and anxiety of the pandemic, coupled with isolation, and economic uncertainty.
Seeking Treatment
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Advances with a vaccine give millions hope that we can get back to some sort of normalcy in the near future. For those struggling with alcohol or drug use, treatment options remain open throughout the COVID-19 health crisis. The future is not as bleak as it once was – stay safe this holiday season!