SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Metro Detroit liquor store owner said lottery sales are putting both the public and his employees at risk for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Evan Qarana with A&B Liquor is calling for the state to shut lottery sales down until the crisis is over. Qarana has been in the liquor business for nearly 30 years. His store in Shelby Township is deemed an essential business, so he’s open, but he’s made some changes.
He said he’s started to feel uncomfortable with his lottery sales. Particularly, with people congregating. He said people sitting in their cars, or in the store and the situation is causing people to stay in the line longer.
So he decided to shut down lottery sales.
He got a message from Michigan Lottery on Wednesday that told him to cease lottery sales immediately if he’s unable to implement social distancing measures.
The message said there would be no penalties for deactivation of Machines. Qarana believes the state should be doing more.
Local 4 spoke with Jeff Holyfield, the Director of Public Relations for Michigan Lottery and he said every retailer must comply with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s social distancing orders.
If they do not the lottery can deactivate terminals and those retailers could face fines and disciplinary action.
Holyfield said all options are on the table, including suspending in-store sales.
MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.