Rohit Sharma advises fans to be smart and proactive while combating coronavirus pandemic

Mumbai, March 16: India's limited-overs' vice-captain Rohit Sharma on Monday (March 16) advised people to be smart and proactive in their fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 32-year-old India opener posted a video message on his official Twitter handle and said it is sad to see the world coming to a halt due to COVID-19 outbreak.

"Last few weeks have been tough for all of us and the world has come to a standstill which is very sad to see," said Rohit. "The only way we can come to normalcy is by all of us coming together. We can do this by being a little smart, a little proactive, knowing our surroundings and as and when we get any symptoms, inform your nearest medical authorities."

From Lucknow to South Africa via Kolkata, Dubai: Proteas' route in times of COVID-19

The coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, has claimed over 6,000 lives and has infected close to 160,000 people world over. Various state governments in the country have ordered closures of schools, malls, cinema halls in a bid to avoid gatherings while also asking people to practice social distancing.

India vs South Africa: BCCI cancels 2nd and 3rd ODI due to coronavirus threat

"It's because we all want our kids to go to school, we want to go to the malls and we all want to watch movies in the theatres," the Mumbai Indians' captain said.

Stay safe everyone. pic.twitter.com/2ABy1XUeTP

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 16, 2020

The Mumbaikar also commended the efforts of doctors and the medical professionals who have risked their lives to treat those infected.

"I appreciate the efforts of all the doctors and the medical staff across the world who have put their lives on risk while taking care of the people who have tested positive with coronavirus." "Last, but not the least, my heart goes out for people who have lost their lives and their families. Take care, be safe," he added.

On Saturday, India skipper Virat Kohli had called on people to "stay safe and vigilant" amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

"Let's stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care, everyone," he tweeted.

The virus outbreak has led to either cancellation or postponement of all sports events across the world. India's series against South Africa was called off as was Australia's ODI rubber against New Zealand. Both series were to be held without spectators before being scrapped.

England's tour of Sri Lanka was also cut short before the beginning of the two-match Test series while the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was due to start on March 29, has been suspended till April 15.

(With inputs from PTI)