When severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2) infects cells , the active replication and release of the virus triggers the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in a positive feedback loop that promotes further inflammation causing overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which eventually damages the lung infrastructure.

The regular moderate drinking of alcohol is associated with improved cardiovascular health, this has also been found to tone down the immune response to viral challenges. This implies that a regular, moderate long term, drinker will have a lower inflammation response (a good thing) when their immune system is attacked by Sars-CoV-2. That being said, it is important to note that being regular heavy alcohol drinking is harmful to your health, may impair your immune system permanently, while also contributing to an accelerated cytokine response (a very bad thing) to an immune challenge from Sars-CoV-2.

So go out there and have your regular tipple, just make sure it is in moderation.

And for the scientifically minded:

[Edit: Added direct links to the Nature.com articles]

References:

Sureshchandra, S., Raus, A., Jankeel, A. et al. Dose-dependent effects of chronic alcohol drinking on peripheral immune responses. Sci Rep 9, 7847 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44302-3

Tay, M.Z., Poh, C.M., Rénia, L. et al. The trinity of COVID-19: immunity, inflammation and intervention. Nat Rev Immunol 20, 363–374 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-0311-8