Alcoholics in Kerala have something to cheer about. The Kerala government is planning to supply minimum liquor to heavy alcoholics as per doctor's prescription during the nationwide lockdown in view of the rising cases of coronavirus.

The development came after five people in Kerala committed suicide and more than 25 persons were admitted in de-addiction centres after they could not source liquor following the lockdown.

While briefing the media, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government is planning to provide minimum liquor to heavy alcoholics with withdrawal symptoms to avoid suicides.

"The state government has directed the excise department to suggest modalities to provide liquor to heavy alcoholics during the lockdown period," Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The state has around 1.6 million alcoholics who consume liquor on a regular basis. Among them, 45 per cent are heavy alcoholics with withdrawal symptoms.

Earlier, psychiatrists and social scientists had warned the government about the crisis when the Opposition and Indian Medical Association demanded the closure of all the liquor outlets in the state.