Bitmoji’s coronavirus PSA stickers are both helpful and adorable

U.S. public health officials might be communicating less than clearly about what to do to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But at least Snap’s Bitmojis are here to share the good word on proper hygiene!

Health-themed stickers appeared in the Bitmoji keyboard of popular images this week, just as U.S. cases of COVID-19, the official term for the disease caused by the virus, topped 1,000. Alongside the usual Bitmoji stickers for phrases like “current mood” and “hump day,” there are now stickers cheerily advising the reader to “Wash your hands!” “Stay home if you’re feeling sick” and, crucially, “Don’t touch your face!”

All good advice! (And h/t to journalist/Twitter user @MargeInCharge for spotting the lil’ guys).

They’re all drawn in classic Bitmoji style, with the avatar of your choice at the center of the messages (mine has a purple face). 

It’s unclear whether the stickers are new or have always been there and are just now surfacing because of heightened fears of infection. Mashable has reached out to Snap (which owns Bitmoji) for more information, and will update this when we hear back.

The bubbly text that communicates our simplistic if best defense against a rapidly spreading virus also comes with adorably animated soap dispensers and cartoon germs. 

The advice the Bitmojis give is sound, mirroring the advice of many public health officials. Along with social distancing, experts say that staying home if we’re sick, washing our hands, and avoiding touching our faces is an effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus. Since there is a vast shortage of coronavirus tests, efforts to spread the hygiene message may be one of the best things you can do right now.

Way to do your public health duty, little animated friends!