Global health leaders have said the state of a person's health before they become infected with COVID-19 appears to play a "crucial role" in determining their fate, while issuing fresh lockdown advice.

The European branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said older people with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease were at a significantly increased risk of death from coronavirus.

And officials urged people to exercise, maintain a healthy diet and stop drinking and smoking.

They also said people should get up for at least three minutes every hour to avoid sitting time and use household chores to stay active.

Everyone should aim for a daily goal such as 30 minutes of activity, and online classes, strolls in the park and dancing to music could also help, the WHO said.


It said older people in general were at "significant risk of disease", but that it posed less danger to those who had aged healthily - pointing out some people older than 100 had recovered from COVID-19.

And Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe, also warned that young people were not "invincible" from the virus.

"Older adults are at significantly increased risk of severer disease following infection from COVID-19," he said.

"We know that over 95% of deaths occurred in people older than 60 years old. We also know from reports that eight out of 10 deaths occur in individuals with at least one underlying co-morbidity, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes, but also a range of underlying chronic conditions.

"All older people should be treated with respect and dignity during these times. Remember we leave no one behind."

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But he added that age was not the only risk factor, saying: "The very notion that COVID-19 only affects older people is factually wrong.

"On a positive note, there are reports of people over the age of 100 who were admitted to hospital for COVID-19 and have now since made a complete recovery.

"It is becoming clear that the healthier you were before the pandemic plays a crucial role. People who age healthily are less at risk.

"For those in self quarantine or working from home, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, physical activity and staying away from tobacco and alcohol."

Charity We Are With You - formerly Addaction - warned that increased social isolation could lead to a surge in harmful drinking.

Laura Bunt, acting chief executive at the charity, said: "These are really difficult times for everyone.

"Our experience of working with people to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink shows that social isolation is a big factor in why people may drink more heavily.

"Coupled with the huge anxiety of living through a pandemic, this means we could see a big rise in people drinking more alcohol at home.

"Harmful drinking can impact people's physical and mental health."