Shams El -Mutwalli 

Speaking to its 43.4 K Instagram followers, the American University of Beirut posted a video that raises awareness about the dangers of the coronavirus by highlighting the threat of not wearing a mask in celebration of Halloween this year.

The forty second video highlights the importance of wearing a mask to minimize the transmission and subsequent risk of the coronavirus.

The social issue advert appeals to university students who may take interest in celebrating Halloween but should be reminded to do so safely by wearing a mask.

As of now, there are 44 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally and 1.1 million deaths attributed to the virus, making the pandemic the most terrifying thing this year.

AUB’s video reinforces this by showing people dressed in scary costumes that are hiding or running away from an even bigger threat: A man without a mask.

The metaphorical message indicates that a person without a mask during the pandemic is a far greater cause for concern than the usual monsters and ghosts typical of the holiday.

Viewers are left with the daunting realization that “the scariest thing this Halloween, is no mask at all” as the video states, heighted further by the eerie background music.

The final shot of the video, stresses that individuals who don’t wear a mask are a greater danger, emphasized further by the text: “Protect yourself. Protect others.”

AUB’s video promotes responsible behaviour in an impactful way guaranteed to encourage choices that are healthy and safe.