Among the many casualties of the coronavirus pandemic was the temporary closure of one of the world’s great beers, Corona, by its owner, Group Modelo, in early April in Mexico.

The brewer posted an announcement on Twitter, stating that it was halting production and marketing of its beer because the Mexican government has shuttered nonessential businesses — and Corona was deemed “nonessential,” according to an April 3 report on cnn.com. 

However, other reports stated that, apparently, too many beer-drinkers erroneously linked Corona beer with the highly contagious coronavirus, when the outbreak first occurred, causing Corona beer sales to plummet. Other reports also noted there was “panic buying” of the popular beer before the closure by its enthusiasts, as news reports broke of the impending Corona beer shutdown.

As forbes.com reported on April 3, “Corona has suffered unique hurdles in the wake of the pandemic. Google searches for ‘beer virus’ and ‘Coronavirus’ have risen dramatically, as drinkers ponder whether the virus and the brand are connected. (There is no connection between the beer and the virus, obviously.)” 

Happily, and surely to Corona-drinkers’ relief, forbes.com also noted, “Constellation Brands urges that Corona’s distribution continues to grow double digits, and brand equity for Corona Extra remains extremely strong. ‘We remain bullish on Corona Extra’s future potential,’” chief executive officer Bill Newlands asserted.