According to Statista's March 2020 consumer survey, 32% of U.S. respondents claimed to be using social media more during the coronavirus pandemic. It makes sense for social media companies to take this into consideration, and Snapchat is a platform that does this. Snapchat has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch new filters to encourage social distancing and provide coronavirus safety tips.
The first Snapchat filter features a World Health Organization-approved animation on how to protect yourself from the coronavirus. These include "Wash your hands often," "Don't touch your face," "Cover your cough," and "Stay home. Practice social distancing." Accompanying the tips are animated drawings of hand washing, wearing a mask, and things you can do at home, such as meditating, completing puzzles, and reading.
The second filter lets you know how far away you should be from other people while practicing social distancing. When you use the filter, a semicircular pattern appears on the screen to demonstrate the minimum space that should be maintained between you and anyone in front of you. That being said, the filter is labeled "For Educational Purposes Only," and it's important to remember that you should stay home and away from crowds as much as possible.
These Snapchat filters are based on information regularly updated by the World Health Organization on its official website. The organization says people should stay 3 feet away from anyone who coughs or sneezes. "When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small droplets from their nose or mouth that may contain the virus," the WHO said on its coronavirus advice page. "If the distance is too close, if the person coughing is sick With this disease, you may breathe in droplets that include the COVID-19 virus.” The website also includes additional information summarized in the Snapchat filter, including how to wash your hands properly, why you should avoid touching any part of your face, and how to stay safe. Health and Safety.
In a "Safety First" press release issued on March 24, Snapchat said it believes its users can play a vital role in stopping the spread of the coronavirus through appropriate messaging and social media. The company is also practicing social distancing within its own teams.
In the meantime, Snapchat will continue to work with the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep users updated on the latest news about the coronavirus pandemic. You can check out the WHO and CDC official Snapchat accounts for more information. Additionally, Snapchat noted that “more than three dozen partners are providing ongoing coverage of COVID-19, including NBC News’ “StayTuned,” The Washington Post, Sky News, The Telegraph, Le Monde, VG, Brut India and Sabq”.
The latest social distancing filter, launched at midnight on April 1, is just part of a larger effort to keep users informed during the coronavirus outbreak. Anyone with a Snapchat account should be able to access filters via the filter carousel at the bottom of the screen, just like other filters.
