【2012 Archives】

U.S. public health officials might012 Archivescommunicating less than clearly about what to do to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But at least Snap's Bitmojis are here to share the good word on proper pandemic hygiene!

Health-themed stickers appeared in the Bitmoji keyboard of popular images this week just as U.S. coronavirus cases topped 1,000. Alongside the usual Bitmoji stickers with phrases like "current mood" and "hump day," there are now stickers cheerily advising the reader to "Wash your hands!" "Stay home if you're feeling sick" and, crucially, "Don't touch your face!"

All good advice! (And h/t to journalist/Twitter user @MargeInCharge for spotting the lil' guys).

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SEE ALSO: This genius PSA generator pairs hand-washing instructions with any song lyrics you like

They're all drawn in classic Bitmoji style, with the avatar of your choice at the center of all the messages (mine has a purple face).

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Stay home on hump day if you're sick on hump day! Credit: rachel kraus / mashable

It's unclear whether the stickers are new, or if they've always been there, and are just now surfacing because of heightened fears of covid-19 infection. Mashable has reached out to Snap (which owns Bitmoji) for more information, and will update this when we hear back.

The bubbly text that communicates our simplistic if best defense against a rapidly spreading virus also comes with adorably animated soap dispensers and cartoon germs.

The advice the Bitmojis give is sound, and efforts to spread the message can only be positive. Since there is a vast shortage of coronavirus tests, it mirrors the advice of many public health officials. Along with social distancing, experts say staying home if we're sick, washing our hands, and avoiding touching our faces is an effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Way to do your public health duty, little animated friends!

UPDATE: March 11, 2020, 5:19 p.m. EDT A Snap representative confirmed that the health-based stickers are indeed new and not just recently surfaced.

Topics Health Snapchat Social Media COVID-19

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