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'Terrifying' New Video Campaign From Scottish Government Shows How Easily Coronavirus Spreads

'Terrifying' New Video Campaign From Scottish Government Shows How Easily Coronavirus Spreads

The video shows how the virus can spread via trails of green smears

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A powerful new video campaign from the Scottish government illustrates just how easily coronavirus spreads, using dark green smudges as a graphic representation.

The video shows a young woman in the kitchen, where she's making a cup of tea for her grandfather. As she leans in to hug him, we see a large green smear across her mouth - which soon spreads around the room as she touches more surfaces.

After we see the woman looking at phone footage of her socialising with friends, the clip ends with the grandfather taking a sip of his 'lovely cup of tea', lowering the mug to show he now also has green marks across his mouth.

The tagline at the end reads: "Don't pass coronavirus to those you love."

Scottish Government

A message also reminds people to stick to the guidelines of two households, groups of six people and a two-metre distance.

Many social media users have praised the effectiveness of the ad, with one person tweeting: "Simple but excellent corona ad from the Scottish government."

Another person said the clip was 'impactful' in alerting 'young people to the invisible enemy'.

Others, meanwhile, have argued it's a 'terrifying' visualisation of the virus, saying the ad is 'hysterical fearmongering'.

One Twitter user wrote: "This is horrendous. Mental health issues are rocketing because of stupid ads like this. Humans are social creatures, we need to hug, we need to feel close and loved. Seriously feel like we're in a nightmare."

Another said: "Remove this ad, it's disgusting and dehumanising. People are not the virus."

Scottish Government

People across Scotland are currently being advised not to visit other households from yesterday, which is something that will be made law from Friday 25 September.

The restriction has already been in place in areas including Glasgow, North and South Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

There are exemptions, such as for those who have formed extended households, to support childcare, for couples who do not live together, or for allowing tradespeople to enter homes to carry out work.

The Scottish government has also reiterated the importance of keeping two metres apart from others, 'even from your friends'.

While people can meet up with others outside in gardens or public spaces, this must be in groups of up to six people from no more than two households - excluding under-12s.

"Limit as far as possible the total number of households you meet in a day," the government website explains, adding that everyone should also continue to 'follow good hygiene, by washing hands regularly'.

Featured Image Credit: Scottish Government

Topics: UK News, News, Coronavirus, Scotland