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March 29, 2020 14:43 IST

In a bid to spread awareness about the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, a local artist in collaboration with a police official in Chennai made a unique 'corona' helmet to dissuade commuters from coming out on the streets during the nationwide lockdown.

"The public at large is not treating the COVID-19 situation seriously. Whereas, the police personnel are working round the clock to ensure people stay at home and do not venture out so that further spread of the disease can be stopped," artiest Gowtham, who designed the helmet, said.

"I came up with the idea and used a broken helmet and papers to prepare this. I have also prepared many placards displaying slogans and handed them over to the police," he added.

The police personnel, who are serving 24X7 on the streets, said that the helmet was proving to be useful in making people aware.

Police inspector Rajesh Babu, who wears the gear while speaking to commuters on the street, said that the approach has had a positive effect so far.

"We take all the steps but still people come out on the streets. Therefore, this corona helmet is one of the steps we are taking to ensure that people are aware of the seriousness of the police. The helmet is an attempt to do something different. When I wear this the thought of coronavirus comes into the minds of the commuters. Especially, the children react strongly after seeing this and want to be taken home," Babu said.

Tamil Nadu as of March 28 had 42 confirmed cases of the disease, including 6 foreigners.

While the state has reported one death due to the infection two confirmed cases have also been cured and discharged, as per the ministry of health and family welfare.