15 May 2020 08:31 am
While expressing its displeasure over the Government’s decision to re-open liquor shops in the country, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) said the behavior of people at liquor shops could not be condoned.
GMOA Assistant Secretary Naveen de Zoysa told Daily Mirror that people had taken the health guidelines for granted and acted as if the threat of Covid-19 had vanished from the country.
“Covid-19 is on the wave in the world and Sri Lanka is not out of the woods yet. Hence, it is absolutely vital to comply with health guidelines like maintaining one-meter distance when engaged in activities outside, “Dr. de Zoysa said.
“The responsibility of maintaining an orderly dispensation of liquor should also be ensured by the owners of the liquor shops. They should have the guts to ensure that their customers maintain the relevant distance. If they appear to be unable to do so, they should be ordered to close down the shops,” Dr. de Zoysa added.
He said public discipline was of utmost importance at a situation of this nature.
Commenting on the current state of the country in terms of containing Covid-19, Dr. de Zoysa said they could be happy with the commitment made by the government and health officials to mitigate the situation.
The Excise Department announced on Wednesday (13) that liquor shops could be re-opened in the areas where the curfew was not in effect.
Accordingly, those who hold Wholesale License (FL3), Retail License (FL4) and Beer, Ale, Stout & Wine License for retail sale (22A) were permitted to open shops under strict guidelines.
Bars at supermarkets in Colombo and Gampaha were also permitted to re-open. (Sheain Fernandopulle)