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Anheuser-Busch and Distilleries Race to Make Hand Sanitizer Amid Coronavirus Pandemic Anheuser-Busch and Distilleries Race to Make Hand Sanitizer Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
(about 16 hours later)
The brewing giant Anheuser-Busch has joined craft distilleries that have heeded the call of duty to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by adding a new product to their lineups of beer, gins, whiskeys and rums: hand sanitizer.The brewing giant Anheuser-Busch has joined craft distilleries that have heeded the call of duty to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by adding a new product to their lineups of beer, gins, whiskeys and rums: hand sanitizer.
Many are reporting extraordinary demand for the product, which has been hard, if not impossible, to find on store shelves. Yet many distilleries are giving away hand sanitizer for free, despite losing sales of their traditional spirits because of the closing of restaurants, bars and their own tasting rooms.Many are reporting extraordinary demand for the product, which has been hard, if not impossible, to find on store shelves. Yet many distilleries are giving away hand sanitizer for free, despite losing sales of their traditional spirits because of the closing of restaurants, bars and their own tasting rooms.
“This is not an economic lifeline for distilleries,” said Brad Plummer, a spokesman for the American Distilling Institute and editor in chief of Distiller Magazine. “We live in these communities. We know these people. We’re watching them suffer, and we have the ability to help.”“This is not an economic lifeline for distilleries,” said Brad Plummer, a spokesman for the American Distilling Institute and editor in chief of Distiller Magazine. “We live in these communities. We know these people. We’re watching them suffer, and we have the ability to help.”
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the maker of Budweiser and one of the world’s largest brewers, announced on Monday that it would also repurpose facilities and its supply chain to make and distribute hand sanitizer.Anheuser-Busch InBev, the maker of Budweiser and one of the world’s largest brewers, announced on Monday that it would also repurpose facilities and its supply chain to make and distribute hand sanitizer.
The company plans to work with the American Red Cross to bring hand sanitizer “to the communities where it’s needed most,” said Cesar Vargas, the U.S. chief external affairs officer for Anheuser-Busch. “We are in this together and there is more to come,” he said.The company plans to work with the American Red Cross to bring hand sanitizer “to the communities where it’s needed most,” said Cesar Vargas, the U.S. chief external affairs officer for Anheuser-Busch. “We are in this together and there is more to come,” he said.
Litchfield Distillery in Litchfield, Conn. said it had been inundated by hundreds of calls from people clamoring for a few of the roughly 2,000 bottles of hand sanitizer it produced this week using the same alcohol it typically uses to make gin, bourbon and vodka.Litchfield Distillery in Litchfield, Conn. said it had been inundated by hundreds of calls from people clamoring for a few of the roughly 2,000 bottles of hand sanitizer it produced this week using the same alcohol it typically uses to make gin, bourbon and vodka.
“Right now, we’re down to a couple hundred bottles, which will probably be gone by midmorning tomorrow,” Jack Baker, an owner of the distillery with his brothers David and Peter Baker, said on Thursday night.“Right now, we’re down to a couple hundred bottles, which will probably be gone by midmorning tomorrow,” Jack Baker, an owner of the distillery with his brothers David and Peter Baker, said on Thursday night.
He said the calls had come from health care workers, police departments, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. “And then we have people walking in with just desperation on their faces, and old people calling up, crying,” Mr. Baker said. “It’s just a mess.”He said the calls had come from health care workers, police departments, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. “And then we have people walking in with just desperation on their faces, and old people calling up, crying,” Mr. Baker said. “It’s just a mess.”
Many distillery owners said they were proud to be stepping in to fill a national need during a time of crisis and didn’t see hand sanitizer as a potential source of profit. Mr. Baker said he had been giving away the bottles he makes without charging customers.Many distillery owners said they were proud to be stepping in to fill a national need during a time of crisis and didn’t see hand sanitizer as a potential source of profit. Mr. Baker said he had been giving away the bottles he makes without charging customers.
“The community has supported us, so it’s an obligation, if you have a product that could be helpful,” he said. “It’s what you do.”“The community has supported us, so it’s an obligation, if you have a product that could be helpful,” he said. “It’s what you do.”
Mr. Plummer said early responses to an industry survey suggested that three-fourths of the nation’s 2,000 craft distilleries were considering making sanitizer as a way to help health care workers, law enforcement officials and the general public.Mr. Plummer said early responses to an industry survey suggested that three-fourths of the nation’s 2,000 craft distilleries were considering making sanitizer as a way to help health care workers, law enforcement officials and the general public.
The distilleries, which had been following a recipe recommended by the World Health Organization, were having a hard time finding plastic containers to bottle the product, Mr. Plummer said. Many were asking members of the public to bring their own bottles from home.The distilleries, which had been following a recipe recommended by the World Health Organization, were having a hard time finding plastic containers to bottle the product, Mr. Plummer said. Many were asking members of the public to bring their own bottles from home.
Distilleries have also expressed concern that they may be operating in a legal gray area by producing and distributing an alcoholic product free of cost.Distilleries have also expressed concern that they may be operating in a legal gray area by producing and distributing an alcoholic product free of cost.
But the producers received some reassurance on Wednesday after the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which oversees the industry, said it had waived parts of a federal law to allow distilleries to “immediately commence production of hand sanitizer” without having to obtain authorization first.But the producers received some reassurance on Wednesday after the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which oversees the industry, said it had waived parts of a federal law to allow distilleries to “immediately commence production of hand sanitizer” without having to obtain authorization first.
“It’s amazing to me that they acted that quickly,” said Chris Weld, the owner of Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield, Mass., which on Thursday turned out its first bottles of sanitizer made from ethanol blended with vegetable glycerin and hydrogen peroxide. “It shows the importance of this.”“It’s amazing to me that they acted that quickly,” said Chris Weld, the owner of Berkshire Mountain Distillers in Sheffield, Mass., which on Thursday turned out its first bottles of sanitizer made from ethanol blended with vegetable glycerin and hydrogen peroxide. “It shows the importance of this.”
Mr. Weld said he had dropped off large jugs of the sanitizer at local police, fire and emergency services stations and planned to sell five-ounce bottles of it for $6 apiece at his distillery, alongside more traditional products like Ice Glen Vodka, Greylock Gin and Ragged Mountain Rum.Mr. Weld said he had dropped off large jugs of the sanitizer at local police, fire and emergency services stations and planned to sell five-ounce bottles of it for $6 apiece at his distillery, alongside more traditional products like Ice Glen Vodka, Greylock Gin and Ragged Mountain Rum.
With the closing of restaurants and bars eating up half of his business, he said, hand sanitizer sales could “help stem the tide a little bit during these hard times.”With the closing of restaurants and bars eating up half of his business, he said, hand sanitizer sales could “help stem the tide a little bit during these hard times.”
The shift to produce sanitizer isn’t limited to smaller craft distilleries.The shift to produce sanitizer isn’t limited to smaller craft distilleries.
On Thursday, the liquor giant Bacardi said that its distillery in Cataño, P.R., where more than 80 percent of the company’s rums are produced, had partnered with a Puerto Rican manufacturer, Olein Refinery, to provide ethanol for more than 1.7 million 10-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer.On Thursday, the liquor giant Bacardi said that its distillery in Cataño, P.R., where more than 80 percent of the company’s rums are produced, had partnered with a Puerto Rican manufacturer, Olein Refinery, to provide ethanol for more than 1.7 million 10-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer.
Updated June 16, 2020Updated June 16, 2020
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
More than half a million of the bottles will be donated to to local communities, Bacardi said, adding that it had started giving away free sanitizer and disinfectant to postal workers, firefighters and police officers, as well as its own employees and contractors.More than half a million of the bottles will be donated to to local communities, Bacardi said, adding that it had started giving away free sanitizer and disinfectant to postal workers, firefighters and police officers, as well as its own employees and contractors.
President Trump offered his support for the effort on Thursday, declaring on Twitter that “America’s Private Sector is stepping up to help us be STRONG!”President Trump offered his support for the effort on Thursday, declaring on Twitter that “America’s Private Sector is stepping up to help us be STRONG!”
“Many of the Nation’s distillers, large and small, are producing and donating hand sanitizer to help fight #COVID19,” he wrote. “THANK YOU!”“Many of the Nation’s distillers, large and small, are producing and donating hand sanitizer to help fight #COVID19,” he wrote. “THANK YOU!”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible to kill the coronavirus and prevent infection. But if soap and water are not available, the agency says, hand sanitizer can be used if it contains at least 60 percent alcohol and is rubbed vigorously for about 20 seconds.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible to kill the coronavirus and prevent infection. But if soap and water are not available, the agency says, hand sanitizer can be used if it contains at least 60 percent alcohol and is rubbed vigorously for about 20 seconds.
Ryan Thompson, owner and founder of 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company in Vail, Colo., said his distillery started making hand sanitizer for the county sheriff’s office last Friday and planned to start handing it out for free to people who drive by the distillery.Ryan Thompson, owner and founder of 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company in Vail, Colo., said his distillery started making hand sanitizer for the county sheriff’s office last Friday and planned to start handing it out for free to people who drive by the distillery.
Customers from as far away as New Mexico and Tennessee have called, he said, desperate to procure a bottle.Customers from as far away as New Mexico and Tennessee have called, he said, desperate to procure a bottle.
“We’ve been hit hard just like every small business in the country, but it doesn’t seem right to sell this for a profit, so we’re just giving it away,” Mr. Thompson said. “We’re just going to keep on making it as the need requires.”“We’ve been hit hard just like every small business in the country, but it doesn’t seem right to sell this for a profit, so we’re just giving it away,” Mr. Thompson said. “We’re just going to keep on making it as the need requires.”
Alan Yuhas contributed reporting.Alan Yuhas contributed reporting.