Tips, tricks to stay virus educated

SOUTH Africa will be on lockdown from Friday, and during this time of self-isolation, it is important more than ever that people remain educated and alert about the health and safety options available to them.

Local content creators have stepped up on TikTok to share their tips and tricks during these worrying times, some via the platform’s latest #WashingHands challenge.

There are tips and tricks from local content creators, including the Ndlovu Youth Choir, The Kiffness and Kelly KiKx. Many people are showing how important it is to be aware and have the correct information.

The South African Red Cross Society launched the #WashingHands challenge, and TikTok added information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the app.

TikTok is used by many children and teenagers and the videos being loaded on to the app are helping the messages about the virus reach them at their level, and effectively.

The #WashingHands campaign reiterates the importance of keeping your hands clean by encouraging users to create a video in which they show themselves washing their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 40 seconds, while singing a favourite song.

Within the app, users have access to a page that provides credible information from WHO and contains answers to common questions, offers tips on staying safe, and dispels some of the myths about Covid-19.

TikTok is donating $10 million (R176.6m) to the WHO Solidarity Response Fund, which helps the organisation carry out vitally important work, including sending essential supplies to front line health care workers, ensuring communities have access to the latest science-based information, and accelerating efforts to discover life-saving treatments or vaccines.