WHO says play video games as healthy social pastime during coronavirus pandemic

Video games are being prescribed as a recommended treatment for our ongoing homebound existence, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Game makers on Saturday began kicking off a new World Health Organization (WHO) initiative entitled #PlayApartTogether to encourage people on how to entertain themselves and also practice physical distancing. The initiative is particularly noteworthy because WHO previously designated video game addiction as an official mental health disorder. But 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.