Cutting liquor store hours amounts to a half-measure that could undermine efforts to contain the new coronavirus, epidemiologists say.
“Reducing hours and concentrating customers into crowded times makes no sense, as would forming lines outside,” said Donald Milton, who studies the spread of virus particles at the University of Maryland.
Milton said the potential for crammed spaces risks spreading the virus, which has infected more than 730 Canadians and killed nine.
He recommends either closing stores entirely or maintaining regular or extended hours.
Government-run liquor stores in provinces including Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia are scaling back operations, opening their doors for between seven and nine hours on most days as a preventative measure.
Prince Edward Island has gone further, announcing Wednesday that all non-essential services — including liquor stores — would be closed by Thursday afternoon.
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