The World Health Organisation (WHO) is spearheading the efforts against the COVID-19 outbreak which has got the world to a standstill.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is spearheading the efforts against the COVID-19 outbreak which has got the world to a standstill. One of the effective ways is by maintaining hand hygiene by washing hands for about 20 seconds.
As a means to spread the message, WHO has created the Safe Hands Challenge. The campaign uses the hashtags #SafeHands, #SafeHandsChallenge and #HandHygiene. The WHO even released textual and visual guides on the proper steps to wash hands as a part of the larger campaign narrative against COVID-19.
The initiative needs people to take up the challenge and nominate three more people. The Director-General, World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had nominated Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.
As the challenge began, many celebrities took to social media to encourage hand hygiene. Here are the Indian sports stars who are leading by example:
1. PV Sindhu
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Indian badminton star PV Sindhu was nominated by Katherine Hadda. She accepted the challenge and uploaded a video on Twitter. She wrote, "Thank you Ms @KatherineHadda for the challenge. Definitely we all can help slow the spread of #COVID2019".
She went on to nominate Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and Indian women tennis player Sania Mirza.
Sindhu added, "Make sure everyone washes your hands properly #SafeHandsChallenge @WHO".
Thank you Ms @KatherineHadda for the challenge. Definitely we all can help slow the spread of #COVID2019
— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) March 17, 2020
I now challenge @KirenRijiju @imVkohli @MirzaSania Make sure everyone wash yours hands properly #SafeHandsChallenge @WHO pic.twitter.com/Fztd6CzGU9
2. Leander Paes
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India's legendary tennis star Leander Paes also joined the others and took up the challenge. He wrote, "We currently face a big battle against an opponent that is spreading its reach across the globe. At times like this, it's most important that we each play our part in the community and ensure we contribute to a healthy society. The actions we take will directly impact our loved ones and all those around us.
"It is important that we follow guidelines set by WHO and the Ministry of Health, not panic, and not fall into the trap of, or spread fake news. It is also important that we help educate the people around us, like our house help, who might not have access to information as easily.
"Currently one of the best things to do is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly so that we prevent the spread of COVID-19. And don’t forget to turn off the taps while washing so you save water as well. Wishing all of you and your loved ones the best of health. Let's be responsible citizens, and beat this together. Lots of love, Leander".
3. Hima Das
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India's young athlete Hima Das has asked netizens to do their bit in this dire situation. She shared a video of her washing hands-on Twitter and wrote, "Wash your hands properly and regularly wherever you are. Let's come together and spread awareness".
She also challenged Kiren Rijiju, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Sachin Tendulkar, Sania Mirza, boxer Mary Kom and Indian women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal.
Wash your hands properly and regularly wherever you are. Lets come together and spread awareness. I challenge @KirenRijiju sir @akshaykumar sir @iTIGERSHROFF @sachin_rt sir @MirzaSania @MangteC @imranirampal for #HandwashChallenge #SafeHandsChallenge pic.twitter.com/5EoyBPg5C4
— Hima MON JAI (@HimaDas8) March 17, 2020
4. Sachin Tendulkar
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In the video shared on Instagram, Sachin Tendulkar begins by speaking to his followers about the dangers of the COVID-19 virus. He is then seen washing hands for 20 seconds as advised by the WHO.
The Master Blaster also took to Twitter and shared a video urging fellow countrymen to act responsibly and follow the guidelines issued by the health authorities.
“As citizens, we have to act responsibly. We could follow simple steps to keep the coronavirus at bay. It is my request to everyone to follow basic guidelines to try our best to ensure we all stay safe,” Tendulkar tweeted.
एक नागरिक के तौर पर हमारी कुछ जिम्मेदारियां हैं।
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 18, 2020
हम कुछ आसान से कदमों का पालन कर कोरोना वायरस (COVID-19) को दूर रख सकते हैं। मैं आपसे अनुरोध करता हूँ कि बुनियादी बातों का ख्याल रखें ताकि हम सभी सुरक्षित रहें। #IndiaFightsCorona@MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/vBYnEbYZ4C
5. Manpreet Singh
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Indian hockey captain Manpreet Singh had accepted the #SafeHandsChallenge from former hockey player Ajit Nandal. He wrote, "As cases increase daily around the world, just a reminder that... everyone - wash your hands. stay home. STAY SAFE!".
He later challenged, Akshay Kumar, Virat Kohli, Rupinder, Ravneet Singh, kabaddi player Ajay Thakur.
