Professional Gamers and Streamers Help Raise Awareness of Coronavirus

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Professional Gamers and Streamers Help Raise Awareness of Coronavirus
[It is highly contagious, has a long incubation period, and a relatively high fatality rate. Since there is no vaccine, the only way to stop transmission is to isolate carriers: play video games, watch TV, read books, and just stay home. Play video games, watch TV, read books, and just stay home.

This is a very clear message, but some people don't seem to get it. To get this message across, a group calling itself "gamersvscovid19" released a PSA featuring over 20 famous gamers and streamers.

The group also launched a website, gamersvscovid19.com, which includes a non-technical but very informative FAQ about the coronavirus, why we need to take this virus seriously, and how we can help prevent its spread ( Seriously, just stay home), and what to do if you think you might have contracted the disease. To foster a sense of community and solidarity, gamers can pledge to keep their social distance, wash their hands frequently, stay calm and informed, and be kind and cooperative with others. There is also a pledge for companies to allow employees to work remotely, allow time off for mental health, and ensure that all workplaces are routinely sanitized.

It's easy to roll your eyes at the "No. 1 guild against Covid-19's raid bosses," as the Twitter account describes the group. Nor is it "Have a nice day, kids" compared to yesterday's praise by the White House of the skills of gamers in the fight against disease. This is the kind of outreach we need, and I'm glad to see this: while I don't know who is ultimately responsible for this effort (the website says "gamers, medical professionals, and others interested in leveling the curve") I'm glad it's being done.

We are maintaining a roundup of esports conventions and other gaming events affected by the coronavirus outbreak; for more information on Covid-19 coronavirus, visit the North American Centers for Disease Control, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, or the World Health Organization.

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