B.C. region taps ‘influencers’ to spread word on COVID-19
Savvy social media users sought to help stem rising caseload among young people
VANCOUVER B.C.’S largest health region is recruiting young social media influencers to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
Responding to a continued upward trend in cases among young adults, 20 to 29 years old, Fraser Health is asking young people to become “health influencers” and help health officials craft social media content with an aim to bend the COVID -19 curve.
“In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people ages 20 to 29 represented just 12 per cent of COVID-19 cases in our region. In recent weeks, we have seen a substantial increase in this demographic, with 30 per cent of new cases within this group, though they comprise just 14 per cent of Fraser Health’s population,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health president and CEO. “This shows that this demographic is becoming sick with COVID -19 at double the rate of the general population. We need to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our friends and families safe.”
Fraser Health released a series of videos this week on Tiktok, a popular youth-focused videosharing platform, aimed at young adults who may have been planning to party during the final days of summer.
The videos contain messages that remind young people to maintain clear boundaries when it comes to fraternizing with people outside their social bubbles.
But, as of Friday morning, the Fraser Health Tiktok account had just 49 followers, so clearly the plea for help is warranted.
Those wishing to sign up as a health influencer can do so on the Fraser Health website.
Earlier this month, B.C. Premier John Horgan had called on Vancouver-based movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Seth Rogen for help in crafting messages for younger residents, who the provincial health officer has said make up a disproportionate amount of the current COVID -19 cases.
Last Friday, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced a crackdown on a “small minority of selfish individuals” and gave B.C. law enforcement officials the power to impose a $2,000 fine on organizers of large parties in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID -19.