The Government of Canada is teaming up with video game studios in the country to tackle COVID-19 with a new awareness campaign called #CrushCOVID.
As young people are getting more cases of COVID-19, the government says it has partnered with Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) to spread reminders of safe public health practices.
“To reach young people, we must meet them where they gather. Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s partnership with Canada’s video game industry, we can connect with more young people and share important ways they can protect themselves and their loved ones. We need to work together if we want to crush COVID-19. This new campaign will help youth learn and remember public health measures, that will protect everyone,” said Health Minister Patty Hajdu, in a statement.
Ottawa says young people 20-29 years of age accounted for 28% of total cases of COVID-19, but make up only 13% of the population. Youth aged 13-19 years of age accounted for 9% of total cases but account for only 7.73% of the Canadian population, according to recent national data, noting young people are getting more infected than others, says Ottawa.
“Canada’s video game industry is proud to partner with the Public Health Agency of Canada. We are helping communicate a very important message; we need to stay vigilant, this pandemic isn’t over. We all have a part to play in controlling transmission of COVID-19. Together, we can create environments which support Canadians in engaging in safe activities. Our sincere hope is that our public health awareness campaign will drive this message in an exciting and meaningful way,” added Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO, Entertainment Software Association of Canada.
Young people are encouraged to wear a mask, keep their distance, wash hands and stay home if sick, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and new videos from both Canada and the ESAC will be coming out soon, as part of the awareness campaign.
