VA of 'Pokemon' star Ash Ketchum sends out coronavirus PSA

"It's better to catch Pokemon than to catch this virus."

MARCH 17, 2020 21:00

A drawing of Pikachu for the Nintendo game (photo credit: FLICKR) — A drawing of Pikachu for the Nintendo game

(photo credit: FLICKR)

Iconic anime character and would-be Pokemon master Ash Ketchum normally concerns himself with catching Pokemon rather than catching diseases, but fans of the video game, anime, movie and trading card franchise don't have this luxury. As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the world, many celebrities and influencers are trying to help encourage their fans to stay safe and healthy. And now, Ash Ketchum is one of these celebrities.

Taking to Twitter, voice actress Veronica Taylor, the original voice of the iconic character, put up a short PSA video using an Ash Ketchum prop to spread awareness of the coronavirus.

A little health advice from #originalash! We should always take care not to pass our germs on to others when sick. That’s common sense. But this #coronavirus calls for more action. We all have to do our part to get through this. #covid_19 #flattenthecurve #pokemon pic.twitter.com/wPZOGyQBQf
— Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT) March 15, 2020

"Okay trainers, Ash Ketchum here, it's time to work together!" Taylor says in character. "As this coronavirus spreads worldwide, we can battle it by staying home – especially if you're sick."

Taylor also encouraged Pokemon fans to practice social distancing and, of course, washing their hands.

"We need to stand together as a community," she continued. "Often symptoms don't show up for five day, and you're actually more contagious during this time. You can actually pass on COVID-19 to two, three or more people without even knowing it. So, take care of others by taking care of yourself."

The video concluded by saying that "It's better to catch Pokemon than to catch this virus."

In related news, the franchise's major foray into the mobile gaming market, Pokemon Go, has made updates to the game to allow users to spend as little time as possible outdoors and still be able to enjoy the game to its fullest.