With the rise of coronavirus cases across the United States, health officials have ordered Americans to practice social distancing and stay at home to keep the virus’ spread under control. But for the former first couple Barack and Michelle Obama, self-quarantining at home is far from boring.
In fact, Barack Obama’s social media activities surged like never before since leaving the White House. The former president, who is known for remaining silent on many issues hounding Donald Trump’s presidency, is now regularly posting messages on Twitter to his millions of followers to address the coronavirus crisis, Yahoo News reported.
Barack Obama regularly makes coronavirus-related posts that promote safety measures as well as explanations on the reasoning behind some of the stricter measures taken by the government to combat the COVID-19’s spread. He also shares inspiring stories about the actions made by organizations and individuals during the health crisis.
“Here’s a useful summary of the current best thinking among public health experts on how we need to approach the fight against COVID-19 in the coming weeks,” Barack Obama said in one of his recent tweets. He then posted a link to a New York Times article explaining the need to take “harsh steps” if the government wants to stop the coronavirus in its tracks.
He also shared a Washington Post article explaining the need for social distancing to flatten the coronavirus growth curve. “Watch this. It shows why we should all do the right thing and stay home to the fullest extent possible,” the former POTUS wrote on Twitter. “All of us can help slow the spread of the virus, protecting the elderly, the vulnerable, and each other.”
Meanwhile, Michelle Obama told Ellen DeGeneres what life is like at home since they’ve self-quarantined themselves. “We've got a little Netflix and chillin' happening,” the former FLOTUS told the talk show host via phone, according to EOnline. Their two daughters Malia and Sasha are currently at home doing online classes due to the temporary closures of their school.
While social distancing has its drawbacks, Michelle Obama says it has its perks as well. “The positive side, I know for us, it's forced us to continue to sit down with each other and have real conversations,” Mrs. Obama said. “It's a good exercise in reminding us we just don't need a lot for the stuff we have.”