Greta Thunberg calls for digital strikes amid coronavirus fears

Greta Thunberg urged fellow climate campaigners to avoid mass protests and listen to local authorities. This comes as the number of coronavirus cases around the world increases.





Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg on Wednesday said that campaigners must avoid mass rallies amid the escalation of coronavirus cases around the world. Instead, "digital strikes" would be the way forward during the crisis, she said on Twitter.

"We young people are the least affected by this virus but it's essential that we act in solidarity with the most vulnerable and that we act in the best interest of our common society," Thunberg said on Twitter, where she has over four million followers.

Read more: Greta Thunberg scathing about politicians as thousands join Hamburg climate protest

In a series of tweets, the 17-year-old urged fellow climate campaigners to follow the advice of experts in an attempt to "flatten the curve." This means to lower the rate of infection by taking countermeasures in the early phase after an outbreak.

As she urged her followers to avoid large gathers and "listen to local authorities”, she also said that the "Fridays for Future” movement will start organizing online campaigns and strikes till the time the pandemic is not under control.
"So keep your numbers low but your spirits high and let's take one week at the time," Thunberg said, as she called on more people to join the "#DigitalStrike" by posting pictures of themselves with a sign on Fridays.

The world is struggling to contain the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, with the number of people infected increasing by the day, especially in China, South Korea, Iran and Italy. The United States has restricted the entry of all foreign nationals who have traveled to Europe's Schengen countries.

see/rc (Reuters, AFP)

>> DW's editors send out a selection of the day's hard news and quality feature journalism. You can sign up to receive it directly here.

DW RECOMMENDS


What you need to know about the coronavirus

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and how can you protect yourself? What's the latest status on infection rates and how is the international community responding? Here's an overview of the latest news and information. (27.02.2020)

Davos braces for Trump-Greta showdown as climate change tops agenda

It's the first time the two are attending the same event since the teenager famously stared down Trump at the UN last year. The annual jamboree is taking place against the backdrop of Australia's worst ever bushfires. (21.01.2020)

Greta Thunberg seeks to trademark her name and movement

The 17-year-old climate activist said the trademark was meant "to protect the movement" from being used for commercial purposes. Thunberg has also set up a foundation to be transparent about the movement's financing. (29.01.2020)

Climate activists march to World Economic Forum in Davos

Protesters angry at the lack of action over climate change have embarked on a three-day hike from Landquart en route to Davos to draw attention to global warming at the World Economic Forum that begins this week. (19.01.2020) 

AUDIOS AND VIDEOS ON THE TOPIC

Greta Thunberg attends World Economic Forum

Young activists at Davos are disappointed about US rhetoric

Date 12.03.2020
Related Subjects Climate Change, Greta Thunberg, Coronavirus
Keywords Greta Thunberg, coronavirus, COVID-19, climate change
Feedback: Send us your feedback.
Print Print this page
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/3ZG8g