Singapore Is Fighting Coronavirus With A Rap Dance For Kids & It’s Kinda Genius
Fear of the coronavirus outbreak in Singapore is definitely on a different level.
When the government raised the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) to Orange in early February, mass panic ensued, and Malaysians witnessed with bewilderment the images and videos of the islanders wiping supermarket shelves clean of produce and supplies.
Their fears are not for nothing, though. With 81 confirmed COVID-19 cases (as of 19th February), Singapore has the highest number of infected patients in Southeast Asia.
While health experts tackle the medical side of things, the Singapore Education Ministry let out a therapeutic dose of its own- a music video called “Bye Bye Virus.â€
The 1-minute video features some pretty “sick†moves, where primary school students dance to the song that pretty much outlines all the precautionary measures one should take to prevent coronavirus infection.
Coronavirus, go away. Coronavirus, don’t you stay. Coronavirus, go away. Coronavirus, down down.
“Bye Bye Virus†via Ministry of Education Singapore.
That’s not all, the music video also features five “soaperheroes†– Wipe up Wilson, Super soaper Soffy, Virus screener Varun, Hands down Hana, and Mask up Mei Mei – who remind the kids how to keep themselves squeaky clean in light of the viral threat bubbling under the surface.
If this video makes you nostalgic for Phua Chu Kang’s iconic 2003 “SAR-vivor†rap, don’t worry because Singapore government also brings him back for a COVID-19 public service announcement (PSA). The only catch is that he’s doesn’t have a, ehm, catchy song this time.
It’s strange, but the rap dance video is kinda genius
True, the rap dance video may seem perplexing but there is undeniable proof that music helps in memory.
One 2008 study pointed out that rhythm, with or without musical accompaniment, can facilitate recall of text. The researchers also realised that familiarity with a rhythm or melody helped in remembering past information.
So it means that the Singaporean government is on the right track to making sure that its young citizens know how to protect themselves during the outbreak.
In that case, we’ll be singing “Coronavirus go away†while remembering the wise words of Phua Chu Kang to, er, “use your brain!”
What do you think of the “Bye Bye Virus†rap dance video? Share your thoughts with us on ow on TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
