WHO advises not to consume alcohol amid COVID-19 pandemic
Consuming high amount of alcohol does not kill the COVID-19 virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on 14th April in an effort to remove fake news.”Fear and misinformation have generated a dangerous myth that consuming high-strength alcohol can kill the COVID-19 virus. It does not,” WHO wrote on Tuesday.
“Consuming any alcohol poses health risks, but consuming high-strength ethyl alcohol (ethanol), particularly if it has been adulterated with methanol, can result in severe health consequences, including death,” it added.
The UN organisation instead called on governments to enforce measures which limit consumption of alcohol, particularly in countries under confinement.
Alcohol consumption is associated with a number of communicable and non communicable diseases that can make a person more vulnerable to contracting Covid-19. It can also trigger mental health issues and risk-taking behavior and stoke violence, especially in countries that have implemented social distancing measures that largely keep the population quarantined in their homes.
“It does not,” the WHO said, adding that it could result in serious health issues, including death, especially if it’s adulterated with methanol. About 3 million deaths a year are attributable to alcohol without a pandemic driving up consumption. Therefore, people should minimize their alcohol consumption at any time, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the office said.
Last month, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus offered advice on how to stay physically and mentally healthy under lockdown measures.
“During this difficult time, it’s important to continue looking after your physical and mental health. This will not only help you in the long term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it,” Tedros said