Austin Public Health Coronavirus PSA Aims At Prevention

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Public Health has teamed up with community partners in creating a public service announcement promoting "defense" against the coronavirus, officials said on Wednesday.

The health district has partnered with the Austin Independent School District, University of Texas, Austin Community College and Dell Medical School in creating the PSA. Also recruited to the cause were various mascots from local and area schools and colleges in urging for individual responsibility to protect the community at large against the virus causing respiratory illness, officials said in an advisory.

The mascots put their rivalries aside in promoting the tactics of responsibility during filming of the PSA on Oct. 28, officials detailed.

Myriad masked mascots put their rivalries aside with the shared goal of educating the public on coronavirus prevention. Photo provided by the City of Austin.

“We need to think about what we do as individuals that will add to the overall health of the community,” Stephanie Hayden, director of Austin Public Health, said in a prepared statement. "Education is our first priority, and we must protect our schools by staying vigilant with washing our hands, wearing masks, and watching our distance.”

While maintaining a safe distance, mascots cast a wary eye on a coronavirus as they sought to educate the public on steps to avert illness. Photo provided by the City of Austin.

Also featured is Dell Medical School Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Coburn Allen, who expounded on the importance of community members staying strong to protect themselves, according to health district officials. The doctor's interview can be found here.

The PSA can be seen in English and Spanish here. For more COVID-19 information and updates, visit the COVID-19 Information portal on the City of Austin website.