Coronavirus Crisis: Cricketers Urge Fans To Follow Guidelines On COVID-19 And Stay Safe Amid The Surging Cases

New Delhi: As the latest wave of COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc with over 3 lakh daily new cases being reported for six consecutive days, Cricketers took to social media to urge their fans to follow all precautions and stay safe. They also reminded people to help each other in this time of crisis.

Also Read: COVID-19 Emergency: Madhuri Dixit, Bhumi Pednekar And Gul Panag Urge People To Stay At Home & Mask Up

Cricketer Rishabh Pant urged people via video to follow the government advice and help everyone around. Ahead of a match on Sunday (April 25), the wicketkeeper-batsman also requested people, who have recovered from coronavirus, to donate their plasma. According to experts, the blood plasma of those who have recovered from COVID-19 can be used in the treatment of active patients.

I want to share a very important thing with you. COVID-19 cases are increasing in the country for the past few months, I request you all to not take things lightly and follow the government and experts’ advice. If you share any information please verify it before sharing. If you have defeated COVID-19 so please donate your plasma. Help everyone around you, sending you my love and support, Mr. Pant said in a video shared on social media.

Spinner Harbhajan Singh who has provided a mobile COVID-19 testing lab in Pune, Maharashtra, motivated fans to fight and win against the pandemic. In response to a tweet appreciating his efforts, Mr. Singh wrote,

Let’s do our bit to help another in these difficult times. May Waheguru keep everyone safe. We will win this fight against corona.

Echoing the sentiments, batsman Suresh Raina highlighted that the medical infrastructure system is slowly exhausting and lives are at risk. He urged people to stay home and help the frontline workers to do their job.

India is battling a crisis situation today. The medical infrastructure is slowly collapsing, resources depleting and more lives at risk than ever before. There is no pain greater than seeing your loved one fight the battle, he tweeted.

Also Read: Young Doctors Becoming COVID-19 Patients’ Best Buddies In Hospitals Through Song, Dance, Motivation

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said that the nation needs to be united in the fight against the pandemic. He also urged countrymen to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and thanked healthcare workers for their selfless service. Taking to social media, Mr. Jadeja wrote,

Right now more than ever we need to be united in our fight against COVID-19. Please wear a mask, follow social distancing and let’s adhere to the government norms. As citizens, we must be responsible, and I thank the doctors, nurses for their selfless service in these tough times.

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar posted a video message on social media urging citizens, who have recovered from COVID-19, to come forward and donate plasma. Mr. Tendulkar had tested positive for coronavirus in March after which he remained in isolation for 21 days. Mr. Tendulkar added that he has decided to donate blood plasma. The Master Blaster said in the video on his birthday on April 24,

The last month has been a tough month for me, I was tested positive and has to be isolated for 21 days. Your good wishes, my family and friends’ good wishes, and last but not the least the doctors and the staff kept me in a positive frame of mind and helped me recover. All of those who have recovered from COVID-19, consult your doctor, and when permissible please donate blood. With this, problems we are facing can be reduced. Please donate blood and help fellow Indians.

Also Read: COVID-19: Testing Negative But Still Have Symptoms? Here’s What You Need To Know

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.