KATHMANDU, MAY 16

With the increasing number of coronavirus cases and deaths, the Ministry of Health and Population has requested people to take care of their mental health.

"Many of us are suffering from headache, fatigue, sleeplessness, among various other symptoms of mental health problems. People are also stressed as they have been compelled to stay away from their family members," said Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson at the Ministry of Health and Population.

"If the stress continues unabated, people might develop chronic illness," the health ministry warned.

It, therefore, has suggested people not to log into social media two hours prior to bedtime and in the early morning. Furthermore, it has advised all and sundry to think positive, engage in entertaining activities, spend quality time with family members and make a call to their loved ones who are not staying together with them because of the pandemic.

"Don't just talk about COV- ID-related fatalities, lack of oxygen cylinders, and the like. At least walk inside the room after sitting in one place for 30 minutes and stay in a well-ventilated room. Get minimum of eight hours of sleep. Do not watch or listen to audiovisuals that trigger stress," suggested Gautam.

The health ministry said the prohibitory order was necessary to break the chain of the coronavirus infection. "Our first priority is to save lives. We can run our economy only if we are able to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

Therefore, it is necessary to adopt safety and health measures to prevent coronavirus infection," said Gautam.

A version of this article appears in the print on May 17, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.