New Delhi: Use of tobacco or alcohol or other drugs to cope with emotions or boredom can worsen physical, mental health and reduce immunity, said Union Health Ministry on Tuesday amid COVID-19 lockdown.
It also asked people to not shun or judge people with a COVID infection and advised to give care and concern.
“If you know someone who might have the infection, tell them about precautions, and how to get medical assistance, if required,” the ministry said in its document ‘Minding our minds during the COVID-19 pandemic’, which was released on Tuesday.
If there is anyone in the house who is very sick and may need to get medical help, “you must be aware of the health facility nearest to you”, it said.
“These can be difficult times for all of us as we hear about spread of COVID-19 from all over the world, through television, social media, newspapers, family and friends and other sources. The most common emotion faced by all is fear. It makes us anxious, panicky and can even possibly make us think, say or do things that we might not consider appropriate under normal circumstances,” the document stated.
The pandemic has claimed lives of 32 and affected over 1,251 people in the country.
