World Health Organization encourages people to game due to coronavirus

Many months ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized excessive gaming as a disorder. While this is a known problem, no one thought that during the coronavirus pandemic, the WHO would recommend gaming as a pastime activity. According to a report by USA Today, Activision-Blizzard and other game makers kicked off an initiative called #PlayApartTogether to entertain themselves while practicing social distancing.

The group hopes that the industry can ‘reach millions with important messages to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,’ said Ray Chambers, the U.S. ambassador to WHO in a statement. Game companies will encourage players to stay distanced and observe other safety measures including hand hygiene, he said. ‘We’re at a crucial moment in defining outcomes of this pandemic,’ he said in a subsequent tweet. ‘Games industry companies have a global audience – we encourage all to #PlayApartTogether. More physical distancing + other measures will help to flatten the curve + save lives.’

Hopefully, this will encourage more gamers to stay at home instead of going out and putting themselves and others at risk. If we all practice social distancing, we can stop the spread of coronavirus and then maybe, life will return to normal soon.