Moscow - One of Russia's top bankers
wants online alcohol sales legalised to help people who are
self-isolating because of the coronavirus.
German Gref, the chief executive of Sberbank, has
started a mandatory two weeks in self-isolation after returning
from abroad.
But during a videoconference news briefing on Tuesday, he
said he believed medicines that are available over-the-counter
and alcohol should be made available for purchase online to help
people self-isolating avoid going out to shops or pharmacies.
"I hope this will be decided soon and that people will not
have to go to shops and pharmacies," he said.
Shortly after Gref spoke, President Vladimir Putin announced
that over-the-counter medication would be made available for
online purchases but made no mention of alcohol.
Russia has recorded 114 coronavirus cases and foreign
nationals have been banned from entering the country until May
to try to prevent the virus spreading.
Heavy drinking was long considered one of the main factors
driving mortality in Russia, especially among men of working
age. Russia's alcohol consumption has fallen sharply over the
last few years but authorities have yet to lift restrictions on
sales online.
Reuters