Surgeon general tells Americans to ‘avoid alcohol’ during coronavirus pandemic

Source: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/

by John Gage

April 10, 2020

The U.S. surgeon general encouraged the public to pursue sobriety during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I need you to know you are not helpless, and it’s even more important that in communities of color, we adhere to the task force guidelines to slow the spread,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams said during a White House coronavirus task force briefing on Friday. “Stay at home if possible. If you must go out, maintain 6 feet of distance between you and everyone else, and wear a mask if you’re going to be within 6 feet of others. Wash your hands more often than you ever dreamed possible. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.”

The surgeon general, who stressed this is “even more important” in communities of color, also said people should “check in on your mother” along with friends and family. “She wants to hear from you,” he said.

Later in the briefing, Adams said, “All Americans need to avoid these substances at all times,” referring to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.

The surgeon general has been a frequent participant at President Trump’s near-daily coronavirus briefings. “We must lean in to protecting the most vulnerable – those with chronic or severe medical conditions, especially seniors,” Adams said at a briefing last month about adhering to social distancing guidelines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that alcohol be consumed “in moderation” with “up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.”