Snapchat launches new filters to encourage social distancing

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By VT

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As many of us are adjusting to our new day-to-day lives of self-isolating and social distancing, leaving the house has become somewhat of a daunting experience.

Supermarkets and parks are still full of people either shopping for their essentials or getting their daily exercise, meaning it is likely you could still get too close to somebody else.

Per the official World Health Organization (WHO) website, they recommend that you "maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance" between yourself and anybody not in your household (although, some governments and medical experts recommend a minimum of six feet).

But what exactly does that look like? Well, to help us out, Snapchat has unveiled two new lenses that use augmented reality (AR) in an effort to encourage correct social distancing.

Both lenses have been developed with the help of WHO, and feature links to its website where Snapchat users can learn more about the symptoms, causes, and safety practices surrounding COVID-19.

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The first is called 'My Social Distance' and it uses your phone camera to visualize the necessary space you need to keep from other people in order to help reduce infection rates and help "flatten the curve".

It works by placing a green circle around you, which will gradually turn orange and then red the closer somebody gets to you.

The second filter involves animated renders that remind the user to wash their hands, stay at home, and not touch their face.

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Talking about their new lenses, a spokesperson for Snap said in a statement: "We believe that Snapchatters play a critical role in stopping the spread of the virus.

"Our community can help by using the full power of technology while physically distancing – whether to communicate with loved ones, play games with friends or stay informed.

"We’re working closely with the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure Snapchatters have all the latest information from the experts themselves.

"The WHO and CDC publish regular updates for Snapchatters from their Official Accounts and we’ve worked with the WHO to develop custom content to answer questions from our community."