We’re suspending drinking during COVID-19 outbreak – Drunkards Association

The Drunkards Association of Ghana says its members will suspend the intake of alcohol, at least during the outbreak of the coronavirus in Ghana.

This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned against excessive intake of alcohol during the lockdown.

There had been claims that drinking high-strength alcohol could kill the COVID-19 virus. But, the WHO has busted these claims saying it rather exposes one’s immune system to the virus.

Speaking in an interview on Accra based Starr FM, PRO of the Drunkards Association, Moses Onyah, said his group would take the advice from the WHO and reduce their consumption of the product.

“We will suspend drinking. We will not be drinking as much as we used to drink. Because, in a day, a normal consumer can take four or five bottles of beer a day. So in a case like this that there’s a directive from WHO to reduce or stop consumption, this is what we will be doing since those addicted cannot stop completely. We will advise that at least if they get half or a smaller bottle a day, it’s enough.

“But those who are not addicted can say for one month, we’re going to stop drinking,” he said.

He also called for more education on the myths associated with COVID-19 and alcohol. Mr. Onyah believed that would better enlighten members of the Drunkards Association on the dangers associated with excessive alcohol intake during the pandemic.

A total of 1,042 persons as of April 20, 2020, had been infected with the coronavirus in Ghana with nine (9) others succumbing to the virus.

According to the Ghana Health Service, 99 more people have fully recovered from the disease.

President Akufo-Addo lifted an initial three-week lockdown which was imposed on Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi.

The President explained that the decision had become necessary due to its impact.

Meanwhile, the country’s borders remain shut for two more weeks. The ban on all public gatherings according to the President remain in full force.

This means schools, churches, conferences, clubs and all other forms of public gatherings will remain shut as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.