Supporting Users During Challenging Times: TikTok and WHO Partnership

At TikTok, our main focus is to support our users during this challenging time. We provide accurate information and resources from public health officials, as well as uplifting videos that our community shares with each other. To ensure the reliability of the information, we have partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to create an informational page on TikTok. This page offers trustworthy information, tips on staying safe and preventing the spread of the virus, and dispels myths around COVID-19. Additionally, WHO uses their TikTok account to create videos that provide critical and informed medical information and tips.

To further support our community, the WHO will be livestreaming on TikTok to share up-to-date information and answer questions from users. The livestream will take place on March 17th at 12pm GMT. For more information, visit @WHO on TikTok or their website.

Due to the overwhelming response, the WHO will host an additional livestream on Thursday, March 19th at 1pm GMT from their account, @WHO.

In the WHO's previous livestreams on TikTok, experts from the organization shared important information about the novel coronavirus. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on the outbreak, explained what the virus is and provided guidance on safety practices. Lindsay Lee, the WHO's Technical Officer on disability, discussed how people with disabilities can stay safe during this time.

Here are some key points from the conversations:

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that was discovered in November 2019. It mainly comes from animals and can spread to humans.
The virus causes respiratory disease and spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or speaking, as well as through contaminated surfaces.
To prevent the spread, frequent hand-washing with soap and water is crucial. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based rubs can be used.
Avoid touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
Staying home and avoiding gatherings is an important safety precaution. If feeling sick and experiencing difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
Follow the guidance of national authorities regarding sheltering in place. Even when staying home, continue practicing good hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Ordering online and receiving packages is safe, as the virus does not last long on surfaces. Disinfecting parcels is not necessary, but washing produce and hands after handling them is recommended.
People over 60 and those with disabilities or underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to severe disease. It is estimated that 15% of the world's population has some form of disability.
People with disabilities should follow basic hygiene measures, ensure access to necessary supplies, and maintain communication with their support networks.
Supporting those at higher risk involves following recommended protection measures, checking in with them, and offering assistance.
Business owners should prepare their workplaces for a COVID-19 outbreak.
Healthcare workers should provide accessible and inclusive care, removing barriers and treating all patients equally.

Dr. Kerkhove and Officer Lee acknowledged the fear and panic surrounding the coronavirus, but emphasized the importance of turning these emotions into action and supporting one another during this challenging time.