Here’s how WHO is getting Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra to fight coronavirus

As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues to strike fear and cripple the global economy, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is reaching out to celebrities Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Arnold Schwarzenegger to fight the good fight and curb the spread of coronavirus.

In a series of tweets on social media, WHO Director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appealed to celebrities and famous sportsmen and women around the globe to help with the #SafeHands initiative to help curb the spread of the virus, with appeals to Padukone and Chopra Jonas.

Ghebreyesus has been nominating several celebrities, urging them to post videos of themselves with the precautionary measures they’re adopting to clean their hands. One of the first celebrities to answer to his call was singer and music producer Usher who responded to the tweet, saying: “There’s no need to feel helpless. You are not alone. Today @GlblCtzn is launching a new campaign to stop the spread of COVID-19. Join our movement, learn more, and take action at http://globalcitizen.org/coronavirus.” The link takes you to a site to understand safety measures and how you can help in this global fight.

Schwarzenegger also rose up to the challenge as he tweeted: “Tried to do a hand-washing tutorial for Cherry but I think you guys will pay more attention. Be safe. Wash your hands. Listen to scientists and experts, not foreheads. Together, we can slow this down and protect each other. #COVID19”

French F1 driver Romain Grosjean also posted a video of hand washing, tweeting: “I’m happy to take the @WHO #SafeHands challenge passed by @DrTedros for protecting health and beating #COVID19 Hand hygiene is key to protect all of us against #coronavirus.” In turn, Grosjean nominated Lewis Hamilton and Jean Todt to take the challenge.

Ghebreyesus has also reached out to singer Katy Perry and K-Pop stars BTS.

Meanwhile, Chopra Jonas responded to Ghebreyesus’ tweet by also linking to the Global Citizen page. “We’re all in this together. Let’s stay informed and do what we can to help stop the spread of #Covid19. Learn more with @GlblCtzn.”

Padukone has yet to respond, although she has shared images of her cleaning out her wardrobe as shoots stall in Bollywood.