BOOZE sales have risen over the past week, with a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period a year ago.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) is concerned by the latest figures showing further increases in alcohol sales amid the coronavirus crisis.
CommSec data released this week, showed alcohol sales rose again over the past week, with spending on alcohol at bottle shops, skyrocketing by 86 per cent compared to the same week as last year.
Meanwhile drink driving cases have contributed to a recent spike in trauma cases at hospitals.
ADF Chief Executive Officer, Dr Erin Lalor AM, urged people to think about their health during this difficult time, including taking steps to reduce the risk of dependence, accidents and injuries.
Dr Lalor said that she was also worried that The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) had reported a concerning number of alcohol-related injuries during the coronavirus pandemic. RACS said drink driving cases had contributed to a recent spike in trauma cases.
"A reduction in alcohol-related accidents and injuries is a key step in taking pressure off hospital resources needed for coronavirus presentations," Dr Lalor said.
Recent Queensland crime statistics show traffic related offences including drink driving rose slightly in the Redlands region during the 2018-2019 financial year.
Looking at the latest Capalaba region drink driving stats from January 2019 to January this year, a total of 329 cases have been reported, compared to 262 in 2018.
Last month police suspended static, multi-vehicle roadside breath and drug tests to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. However, they continue to conduct random and targeted breath tests anywhere at any time.
