A public service announcement (PSA) from World Health Organization (WHO) has reminded people about the importance of washing hands, maintaining physical distancing and showing kindness amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The WHO, Project Everyone and Tiger Aspect Productions partnered together to launch a PSA using global comedy cartoon star Mr Bean, a news release said on the WHO website on Monday.
As the Covid-19 continues to rise globally, “Mr Bean’s Essential Covid-19 Checklist” is a reminder to people about the importance of washing hands, physical distancing and demonstrating kindness to their neighbours, the release said.
The PSA featured a cartoon sketch of Mr Bean, who comically tackled a pesky roller blind to finally reveal a number of essential tips to protect people against Covid-19.
“Covid-19 affects every walk of human life, and we need to use all tools and avenues at our disposal to share life-saving information with people around the world."
“I am grateful for the support of the team behind Mr Bean for lending your voice and talents to spread vital advice on physical distancing, hygiene and knowing the symptoms,” WHO Director General (DG) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
The PSA is voiced by Mr Bean star, Rowan Atkinson, who created the Mr Bean character to be "a child in a grown man's body" when he was at Oxford University along with filmmaker and Sustainable Development Goal advocate Richard Curtis, the release added.
Mr Bean was first aired in the 90s, before transforming into an animated series, and has since expanded on a global scale with 96 million Facebook followers globally and major fan bases across India, Brazil and Indonesia.
Mr Bean also celebrated his 30th anniversary this year.
The PSA was coordinated by Project Everyone, a not-for-profit agency devised by Richard Curtis working to put the power of communications behind the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the release also said.
Richard Curtis said: “We are delighted to work with the WHO on this Mr Bean sketch and to support health messaging around Covid-19.
“In 2015, 193 world leaders committed to 17 Global Goals to end poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030. Good Health and Well being is Goal 3 and central to achieving all of the Global Goals."
“It is key that we work with creative partners - and that all sectors come together to continue to get messages out about how we can tackle Covid-19 and build back a better world, where the Global Goals remain the guiding plan to be achieved by 2030."
“I am not QUITE sure which sector Mr Bean belongs too - but we are delighted to have him on board,” he added.
