WHO Europe: FAQs About Alcohol and COVID-19
The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe) has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about alcohol and COVID-19. This is a timely follow-up to the guidance and advice on alcohol and COVID-19 that the WHO Regional Offices for Europe, the Americas (PAHO) and the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) had already released in April 2020.
The FAQs cover the following questions related to alcohol and COVID-19:
- Are people who drink alcohol at higher risk of COVID-19 infection?
- Are there other health and social risks associated with alcohol and COVID-19?
- Are there particular threats to people with alcohol dependence?
- How does alcohol affect the most vulnerable groups, such as homeless people, during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- For individuals, what measures are needed to reduce alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Are additional government measures needed to reduce alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- How is alcohol being marketed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- How are alcohol-related deaths and injuries evolving during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- In a transition phase, what alcohol control policies should governments implement?
- What is the WHO-led initiative SAFER and how is it helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic?
WHO: Restrict Alcohol Access During COVID-19 Lockdown
In April 2020, the WHO Regional Offices for Europe, the Americas (PAHO) and the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) had already released important new guidance and advice on alcohol and COVID-19.
WHO reminded people that consuming alcohol does not protect them from COVID-19, and WHO encouraged governments to enforce measures which limit alcohol consumption. At times of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption can exacerbate health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviours, mental health issues and violence.
That new fact sheet provided important information that the public should know about regarding alcohol consumption and COVID-19. It addresses, among other things, the misinformation that is being spread through social media and other communication channels about alcohol and COVID-19.
