ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — You may think alcohol consumption has gone up in Newfoundland and Labrador as everyone deals with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it doesn’t appear to be so.
Recent numbers released by the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corp. (NLC) show over-the-counter sales in the past two months are down by about six per cent over the same time last year.
These are direct sales to the public as opposed to sales to bars, restaurants and event organizers. Those sales have pretty well evaporated, although licensed restaurants were given the go-ahead last week to include alcohol with takeout and delivery orders.
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The biggest hit for the NLC has been beer, primarily because it’s easier now to buy it at corner stores.
People are also taking advantage of smaller Liquor Express aisles in stores outside large communities. Those sales are up by a whopping 88 per cent. But that’s counteracted by a 40 per cent drop at the main stores.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr. John Haggie said his department does not have ready access to data on alcohol addiction services.
“What we do have is an impression from our data that the demand on formal addictions services has not increased, and may have actually gone down a little in terms of accessing some face-to-face services,” he said during the daily COVID-19 video briefing.
But he cautioned the drop of in-person consultations is consistent across the health care system because of emergency measures in place.
Overall, he said, there appears to be an increase in substance abuse, and that can be driven by a lack of routine, a lack of sleep and a lack of customary support services.
“We are working closely with our community groups to provide them with the supports they need to support the vulnerable population,” he said.
“The challenge for all of us is how to do what we need to do and do it in a way that recognizes that COVID-19 is here, it is here to stay for at least 18 months to two years, it currently has no vaccine, it currently has no cure and there is no specific treatment that can be provided.”
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Still no cases
For the sixth consecutive day, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald announced no new cases of the disease in the province. The number of active cases is now 11.
As she has in the past, Fitzgerald clarified what’s meant by gatherings of 10 or less. This only applies to organized events such as weddings, funerals, burials and essential workplace training.
Everyone has to keep his or her distance, and tissues, wastebaskets and a hygiene station must be handy. No food or drink is allowed.
“As the Victoria Day weekend approaches, May 24th traditions many of us look forward to will not be the same this year,” added Fitzgerald. “However, this does not mean we cannot do some of the things we enjoy outside with members of our double-bubble, and I would encourage everyone to try to make the best of this weekend knowing that your sacrifices are directly helping to protect others and keep them safe.”
Oil revenues
Asked about the shutdown of offshore oil production by Suncor, Premier Dwight Ball said Wednesday the government cannot afford to lose oil revenues that account for 30 per cent of gross domestic product.
He said the government is doing everything it can to keep the company active here.
“We can deal with the health crisis, we’ll get through that, but if you lose the offshore of Newfoundland and Labrador and the 30 per cent of GDP that goes with that, you just cannot replace that very quickly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ball said he welcomed extra regional investment funds announced by Ottawa earlier on Wednesday.
That money, distributed in this region through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will help businesses that have fallen through the cracks with other emergency funding.
“The whole idea here is that you can continue to pay employees,” Ball said.
As a final question, The Telegram asked what the three panelists have planned for the Victoria Day weekend.
Ball said he plans to return to his district on the west coast for the first time since early March, while Fitzgerald said everything depends on the weather.
Haggie had the most specific response.
“I’ve got my deck all tidied up at home, I’m going to get the swing out and the barbecue and the fire pit and hopefully just have a nice quiet weekend at home. I might take the bubble out on the side-by-side for a run in the woods, but that’s about it.”
In other developments Wednesday:
- Haggie said he hopes a new contact tracing app will be available to download online within the next three to four weeks.
- The student benefit announced by Ottawa a week ago will be available on Friday. The quickest way to get it is to set up a MyCRA account online.
- New guidelines have been posted on the province’s COVID-19 website for car dealerships with respect to customers doing test drives.
- Ball highlighted the Red Cross helpline as a source of advice for surviving the pandemic: 1-800-863-6582.
Peter Jackson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering health for The Telegram
