"The louder we speak, the more we shout, the more we sing ... The more we emit microdroplets likely to contaminate our neighbor".
With these few words, Stéphane Gayet, infectious disease specialist at Strasbourg University Hospital, has just painted a portrait of an average alcohol drinker who, in a state of semi-intoxication, increases the risk of the spread of Covid-19.
“Alcohol is a disinhibiting drink that tends to bring people together,” he says.
"In itself, it does not directly promote the transmission of the virus, but it causes a form of recklessness allowing it to be provoked."
In order to slow down the coronavirus epidemic in France, Prime Minister Jean Castex has decided to ban "the consumption of alcohol on the public highway".
A ban already in force in several cities with prefectural decrees in order to limit gatherings.
However, outdoors, without the consumption of alcohol, the risk of contamination remains very limited.
“Outside, there is always a little draft and the microdroplets that we emit are immediately dispersed into the atmosphere, especially if we move,” explains Stéphane Gayet.
“Outside, the conditions of contamination are much less met than in a closed place,” he explains, worrying about a possible withdrawal of the French to private gatherings.
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Confinement: alcohol consumption on public roads prohibited throughout the country
Following the first confinement, the share of French people saying they drink alcohol on a regular or occasional basis fell by 6 points in two months, from 57% of consumers before confinement to 51% after.
“One explanatory factor common to all these improvements emerges: all these behaviors have a social dimension.
We drink more, smoke more, eat more (crisps, coke, etc.) when we are in society, ”said the promoters of the survey.