Despite Hong Kong’s bar closures, some drinking more than ever amid coronavirus pandemic, concern group warns

While overall numbers have dipped, loneliness and boredom have played a role in boosting consumption for a minority of Hongkongers, study shows

Social media, meanwhile, has perpetuated false claims that alcohol can kill the virus or boost immunity, a message often reaching the city’s youth

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While Covid-19 has meant lengthy closures of Hong Kong bars and pubs, some residents are drinking more than ever. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 9:00am, 1 Feb 2021Updated: 1:12pm, 1 Feb 2021

Hong Kong’s pubs and bars may be closed, but a group of public health experts has warned some drinkers are consuming more alcohol than ever amid the coronavirus pandemic, a trend often driven by isolation or boredom.

The Hong Kong Alliance for Advocacy Against Alcohol on Monday also expressed concern that young adults, particularly female students, could be among the most vulnerable to false claims on social media that consuming alcohol can kill the virus or stimulate immunity.

In a position statement published in the Hong Kong Medical Journal, the group made a united call for government action aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm in the city.

“This is a timely opportunity to address changes in alcohol consumption behaviour resulting from restrictions implemented to restrict the spread of Covid-19,” said Dr Regina Ching Cheuk-tuen.

Nearly 37 per cent of those polled in a recent survey said their drinking had gone down since the pandemic began. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Since the outbreak, 36.8 per cent people reported they had reduced their alcohol consumption, according to a survey by the University of Hong Kong’s school of public health and school of nursing that polled 1,501 people from April 9 to 23.