Drinking alcohol may increase chance of catching coronavirus: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) asks people to minimize alcohol consumption during the coronavirus pandemic as drinking can cause “health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviors, mental health issues and violence”.
According to the WHO report: “Alcohol compromises the body’s immune system and increases the risk of adverse health outcomes.
“Therefore, people should minimize their alcohol consumption at any time, and particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The world body warns people not to believe the myth that drinking can protect people from coronavirus – instead, it can make people more vulnerable to it.
WHO EURO’s Program Manager for Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, Carina Ferreira-Borges, said high booze consumption could risk “too many victims.”
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we should really ask ourselves what risks we are taking in leaving people under lockdown in their homes with a substance that is harmful both in terms of their health and the effects of their behavior on others, including violence,” she said.
#COVID19 : Stay sober so that you can remain vigilant, act quickly and make decisions with a clear head, for yourself and others in your family and community. pic.twitter.com/EmWyE3ELav
— Carina Ferreira-Borges (@DrCarina_FB) April 14, 2020
