COVID-19: St Lucia government bans "sale of alcohol"

The government of St Lucia has announced a ban on the sale of alcohol across the island. The step has been taken as an effort to reduce rapidly growing coronavirus cases.

Authorities announced that all liquor licenses are canceled from 20 January 2021 onwards for the upcoming 21 days. The action would also ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in supermarkets, bars, restaurants, and gas stations.

St Lucia's government has taken this step with recommendations from National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC).

Government officials and NEMAC representatives recently conducted a meeting where the decision to ban the sale and alcohol consumption was taken.

St Lucian government claims that this step would significantly reduce the numbers of coronavirus cases that are rapidly growing.

The government has also asked people for their support in these unprecedented times.

Recently 35 tested positive on Tuesday and in last 57 24-hours; after that, the government is taking stricter actions. All these patients are between the age groups of 14 years and 66-year-old. Authorities stated that among all these people on a person is extremely critical.

The health ministry stated that over 350 people are currently under investigation.

Officials statistics show that eight people have lost their lives to the small Caribbean country's contagious virus. The deaths include non-St Lucian residents.

There are over 336 active coronavirus cases in St Lucia, while the total number of confirmed cases is 713.

St Lucia is in an extremely worse condition due to coronavirus than other neighboring countries. Dominica and St Kitts, and Nevis are among a few that experienced lesser COVID-19 cases and no virus-related deaths.