Taiwan uses cuddly mascots like ‘spokesdog’ in coronavirus prevention campaign

Government agencies have embraced cute animals to tackle disinformation and ease public anxiety

In contrast, authorities in mainland China are using stern slogans and waging a ‘people’s war’

Reading Time:3 minutes

Taiwan’s Health Minister Chen Shih-chung holds a placard on virus prevention featuring Zongchai, the ministry’s “spokesdog”. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:08pm, 17 Feb 2020Updated: 1:08pm, 17 Feb 2020

While mainland China deploys stern political slogans in its battle against a deadly new coronavirus, Taiwan has embraced cuddly mascots and humour to ease public anxiety and educate on best practices.

Images of cute animals have featured in daily social media updates from government agencies to tackle disinformation and prevent the spread of infections.

The health ministry has deployed a cartoon “spokesdog” – a Shiba Inu called Zongchai – that has proved a hit, with hashtags of his name going viral and posts shared hundreds of thousands of times.

Recent contributions have included advice on hygiene and quarantine regulations as well as reminding people to use face masks judiciously given the ongoing shortages since the new virus exploded in the mainland.

“Leave face masks for the people who need them, frequently wash your hands with soap, reduce touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands,” read one update.

The foreign ministry is using a pigeon in a face mask to announce entry restrictions on foreigners with recent travel history to the mainland. Photo: AFP

Taiwan uses cuddly mascots like ‘spokesdog’ in coronavirus prevention campaign

Government agencies have embraced cute animals to tackle disinformation and ease public anxiety In contrast, authorities in mainland China are using stern slogans and waging a ‘people’s war’

Government agencies have embraced cute animals to tackle disinformation and ease public anxiety

In contrast, authorities in mainland China are using stern slogans and waging a ‘people’s war’