The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says that older people, like everyone else in the world, have the same rights to life and health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guterres warned that the fatality rate for people over 80 years old is five times the global average.

"Beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic is putting older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation. It is likely to have a particularly devastating impact on older people in developing countries," he said.

The UN chief reiterates that all life is important and should be cared for equally. He also urged people not to use the physical distancing regulations to push people away from their lives.

"While physical distancing is crucial, let's not forget we are one community and we all belong to each other. We need improved social support and smarter efforts to reach older people through digital technology," he said.

Guterres' call comes as the global COVID-19 infections surpassed 3.27 million, with the death toll going beyond 234,000.

Source(s): United Nations