Instep got in touch with a few celebrities who shared what precautionary measures they have taken to protect themselves and urged fans to practice social distancing.
Coronavirus or COVID-19 has infected hundreds of thousands of people across the world, which in turn has led to locking down of cities, closing of schools and causing families to self-isolate in their homes. As the infectious disease continues to spread, with over 200,000 cases reported worldwide, more and more celebrities are urging their fans to self-isolate, practice social distancing and wash hands frequently. The likes of Maya Ali, Saba Qamar, Adnan Siddiqui and Humayun Saeed among many others are requesting their fans to think of others by staying indoors to help in stopping the virus from spreading.
Instep spoke to a few celebrities who shared what precautionary measures they have taken to protect themselves as numbers of the highly contagious virus continue to climb; they urged fans and followers to self-isolate.
Faysal Qureshi
Renowned actor Faysal Qureshi recently returned to the small screen with Muqaddar, in which he essays the role of a Sindhi feudal lord. The actor and host shared that he has stopped shooting for 15 days because there is no point taking risks when it comes to our health. “At home also we are strictly following safety measures. If there is a need to go out then I make sure to wear a mask, sanitize my hands and wash my hands as soon as I come home,” he informed. Talking about his game show that airs on Thursdays and Fridays every week, Faysal said, “There are exceptional cases where we have to go out and do our work in order to keep our audiences entertained. However, we are extra careful and have limited the audience. In fact, anyone who is coming for the show is being screened and placed in different rooms.”
He advised his fans to make their immune systems strong. “This can be done by consuming vitamin C, walking but with safety measures like putting on masks and keeping a hand sanitizer with you at all times. These are some of the precautions that will help us control the situation or else this pandemic will continue to escalate.”
Mansha Pasha
Mansha Pasha, who appeared in Kamal Khan’s critically acclaimed film Laal Kabootar alongside Ahmed Ali Akbar and is all set for the release of her forthcoming movie, titled Kahay Dil Jidhar (KDJ), opposite singer and actor Junaid Khan, revealed that she is currently not shooting.
“There is no way to keep yourself safe while shooting and hence the only way is to practice isolation and social distancing,” she told Instep, adding that using a sanitizer a couple of times a day is a good away to protect oneself from the deadly virus. “Most importantly, keep the door knobs, mobile screens and overall the whole house clean by using a disinfectant,” asserted Mansha.
Ahmad Ali Butt
The actor and singer, who is getting rave reviews for his performance in Jhooti, told Instep that he is obviously not shooting for a couple of days as his upcoming film’s (Fatman) shooting has been postponed . As for the measures, he has quarantined himself at home and it has been more than a week since he went out. “If we have to get out for groceries or other important stuff then it will be just one person and we’ll make sure to go at a time when there are not many people around at the stores. We are taking precautions at home by disinfecting and cleaning the surfaces. We’ve kept hand wash, soaps everywhere and are making sure that anybody who comes from outside washes their hands.”
He continued, “I am just trying to be careful and be self-aware. Also, I’m trying to create awareness in my surroundings as well, because it is very important to educate other people. At this time, I am being more mindful and aware of the surroundings.”
Hajra Yamin
The actress can currently be seen in drama serial Aas alongside Mirza Zain Baig. Hajra Yamin, who has Pinky Memsaab to her credit, is gearing up for her third film, titled Fly, which touches upon the subject of breast cancer. She shared with Instep that the only way to protect yourself from the coronavirus pandemic is “social isolation”. Hajra stated that she is keeping herself and her surroundings clean. Apart from this, she advised her fans to stay indoors as much as they can. “Take every precaution seriously. By helping yourself you are helping others,” she said.
Junaid Khan
Presently appearing in Mohabbat Na Kariyo alongside Hira Mani and Zarnish Khan, singer and actor Junaid Khan will feature in the upcoming movie Kahay Dil Jidhar (KDJ) in a central role. Talking about the precautionary measures he is taking, Junaid shared that he has postponed shoots right now. “I am not going to shoot for the next couple of weeks just to see where I stand. Besides, we are taking general precautions like washing our hands and face regularly and monitoring what is coming from outside.”
He added, “We are making sure to disinfect everything and keep the surroundings as clean as possible. Another thing that I’m doing is staying home for a week or two and of course, maintaining social distancing till things are a little clear.”
Junaid also advised his fans to stay indoors and to go out only if it is very important.
Amar Khan
Amar Khan, who is gearing up for her debut film, Dam Mastam, which features Ranjha Ranjha Kardi actor Imran Ashraf, informed that the best measure and the most compulsory one is social distancing. “Right now I am not shooting and this is something that I promised myself and in fact reinforced it on my team members that health comes first and work comes later. If the entire world is following certain things and is practicing self-isolation, then it is better to stay indoors and not focus on earning money at this point.” Amar requested all her fans to just isolate themselves and reboot their systems. “This is the best way you can fight this pandemic and this outbreak of coronavirus,” she added.
