COVID-19: Excise dept gives large quantities of seized spirit to make hand sanitizers

The Kerala excise department has handed over 75 litres of rectified spirit confiscated as evidence in various cases to the Society for Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation functioning at the Government Mental Health Centre, Thrissur, for the manufacture of hand sanitizers. The decision was made following the huge increase in demand for hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thrissur (Kerala): The excise department has released large quantities of rectified spirit confiscated as evidence in various cases to government institutions for the manufacture of hand sanitizers which have proven to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The move is aimed at promoting the 'Break the chain' campaign of the state government launched to fend off the COVID-19 spread.

The decision was taken in the wake of rising demand for hand sanitizers caused by panic over coronavirus. Over 75 litres of spirit seized by the Irinjalakuda excise range office in various cases were given away to the Society for Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation functioning at the Government Mental Health Centre, Thrissur, after obtaining permission from the officers concerned.

A group of volunteers associated with the Society for Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation and over 50 inmates of the mental health centre have started making hand sanitizers using the spirit procured from the Excise department.

According to those involved in the manufacturing process, the spirit can be used to make at least 150 litres of hand sanitizer. The sanitizer manufactured here would be handed over to Thrissur district health department, sources said.

Thrissur Government Mental Health Centre Superintendent Dr T R Rekha, Deputy Superintendent Snehaja, among others are monitoring the manufacturing work.