#SafeHands Challenge: Amid COVID-19, Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, And Sachin Tendulkar Give Hand Washing Lesson

New Delhi: On Tuesday (March 17), Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone joined the hygiene bandwagon and followed the latest social media trend – Safe Hands Challenge initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the wake of the pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19). The challenge involves washing hands with soap or using alcohol based sanitiser and posting a video of the same while nominating three more people to join in. Taking up the challenge, Deepika Padukone who was nominated by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, shared a quick video of her.

In the video, Deepika can be seen washing her hands thoroughly with soap, as suggested by experts, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Interestingly, she was also wearing a mask inside her house.

Sharing the video, aimed at creating awareness about hand hygiene, Deepika thanked Dr Tedros and wrote,

#COVID19 surely is an uphill health and public safety task, but all of us are in this fight together!

She further nominated three sports stars – Virat Kohli, Roger Federer, and Cristiano Ronaldo – to take the challenge.

Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: Government Issues Guidelines For Proper Mask Use To Combat COVID-19

Watch Deepika Taking Up #SafeHands Challenge

https://twitter.com/deepikapadukone/status/1239914621676466177

Actor Anushka Sharma followed the suit and documented the challenge on her Instagram stories. Anushka started the challenge by addressing her viewers and talking about the current pandemic. She said,

One of the key factors in containing the spread of the virus is if we maintain good hygiene and the primary thing is to wash our hands properly.

She further asked her viewers to take out a minute and watch the WHO recommended way of washing hands and follow the routine to ensure one’s own safety and the one around us.

The actor also emphasised on saving water and asked to not let the tap running while cleaning hands.

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Coronavirus: “Avoid Gatherings, Wash Your Hands Regularly And Help Prevent The Spread Of Virus”

To promote the importance of washing hands, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar too followed the trend. In a video shared by the master blaster, he is seen following the right technique of washing hands to evade germs – using soap for at least 20 seconds, rubbing both the palms and fingers well.

Sachin was nominated by athlete Hima Das who took the challenge on Tuesday and stressed on washing hands regularly, wherever you are.

Also Read: Coronavirus 2019: World Health Organization Introduces #SafeHands Challenge To Promote Hand Hygiene And Prevent COVID-19

About #SafeHands Challenge

To promote clean hands and instill the habit of washing hands with soap or alcohol-based rub, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had launched the ‘Safe Hands Challenge’ on March 13. In a two minute long video shared by WHO on Twitter, Dr Tedros gives a lesson on how to have clean and safe hands. Dr Tedros taught the right technique to wash hands in 11 steps and asked the world to take the WHO Safe Hands Challenge and show where and how you wash your hands.

According to the experts, washing hands with soap is one of the basic steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus that has already infected over 100 countries. The create awareness about hand hygiene, WHO has started the challenge which has now been taken up by people from all walks of life.

Also Read: How To Fight Coronavirus: Doctor Answers Queries About COVID-19

In the last few days, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, international football players, artists, and ministers have joined the challenge. In India, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, athlete Hima Das, and badminton player P. V. Sindhu have also participated in the challenge, among others.

Also Read: Here’s What The Government Means When It Asks You To Practice Social Distancing As A Precaution Against COVID-19

Coronavirus In India

The total number of confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India has climbed up to 147 (as of March 18) including 25 foreign nationals. Apart from this, 14 patients have recovered and have been discharged whereas three deaths – one each in Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra have been recorded. The government has decided to involve private laboratories to increase the testing of coronavirus.

To contain the spread, morbidity and mortality due to coronavirus, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed numerous interventions including the closure of all educational establishments, gyms, museums, cultural and social centers, swimming pools and theatres.

Also Read: Masks, Gloves Don’t Stop Coronavirus Spread, Say Experts

The ministry has also asked private sector organisations and employers to allow their employees to work from home wherever feasible. The advisory further suggested conducting meetings, as far as feasible, through video conferences; minimize or reschedule meetings involving a large number of people unless necessary.

Along with this, restaurants have been asked to ensure handwashing protocol and proper cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces. “Ensure physical distancing (minimum 1metre) between tables; encourage open-air seating where practical with adequate distancing”, read the advisory.

Preventive measures listed in the advisory issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will be in force till March 31, 2020, and will be reviewed as per the evolving situation.

Also Read: Coronavirus Has A Natural Origin, Says Study