Stacy Robertson
Stacy Robertson
April 6, 2020 ·  7 min read

Catchy COVID – 19 Version of Do Re Mi Reminds Us of the Need for Social Distancing

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the world where it truly hurts. For the past few weeks, the world has been held under siege as the virus sweeps through it without regard. 

There’s not much reason to laugh, what we all the bad news and statistics flying around. However, finding humor, even in the darkest of times, is not only a great way to heal, but also it can be quite useful in passing a message. 

The COVID-19 version of Do Re Mi is an example of such a humorous but important message.

The sound of music was not just a good film, it was also a commercial success. It’s one of the first films most people can ever remember watching. It took 11 weeks to shoot in the beautiful city of Salzburg, Austria. 

Perhaps the most iconic scene was that where Do Re Mi was sung by Maria to the children. Ever since the movie was released on March 2, 1965, Do Re Mi has been used to teach children the basics of musical notes [1]

COVID-19 version of Do Re Mi 

Several ways to stay safe this period of coronavirus pandemic has been hammered on. Why not use a catchy tune and make it easier to remember and keep to? 

Shirley Şerban is way ahead of you there. The New Zealand principal and photographer with a great voice must have put in a lot of work to come up with lyrics that not only pass the message of social distancing, self-isolation, and appropriate hygienic measures to employ, but also that fit perfectly into the tune of the music and the video as well. 

The music titled “Do Re Mi – COVID 19 version” was posted on Şerban’s YouTube page on March 28, 2020, and has since gone viral with over 4.3 million views. 

She captioned it “What’s the Sound of a Pandemic! Don’t worry Maria and the Von Trapplinngs know how to deal with it!” 

Look at the big picture 

While some people might believe that the issue is still too sensitive to be made light of, others would argue that it is necessary to find humor in whatever circumstance we are in. 

“Stories have always been passed down from generation to generation, whether it was by song or dance, or so-called nursery rhymes,” said Dr. Chrystopher Spicer, James Cook University Cultural Historian. 

“We’re really doing the same thing now when you look at people adapting songs to the current pandemic that’s going on,” he added. 

It is certainly not healthy to take things too seriously. Sometimes you need to lighten up and have a good laugh. Also, we should be on the lookout for good news this period [2]. 

Disclaimers 

People can be mean and quick to jump to conclusions that may well be false. Şerban knows this and was smart to add certain disclaimers for the video. 

She said, “A couple of quick points: 

  • The song is not intended to be taken seriously 
  • I made it to humor myself and I’m quite blown away as the following it’s got over such a short time 
  • No, wine is not a cure for the virus. Neither is whinging or blobbing (real words)
  • No, they are not good at social distancing in the video – it was released in 1965

She then went on to give several warnings about negative comments. 

In the song, Sarah mentioned Wuhan, China, as the origin of the virus, but purely as a statement of facts and part of the song. 

However, she anticipated that some people might make very negative and racist comments. Thus, she warned that those sorts of comments would be deleted. 

Then, Serban ended the caption with “Stay safe and in your bubbles – greetings from New Zealand”. 

Below is an excerpt from the song 

  • Do not fear – but please stay here 
  • Stay at home now, everyone 
  • We must wash and clean things well 
  • Cars? No long trips just for fun!
  • Don’t let COVID virus spread 
  • Isolate yourself at home 
  • See your friends online instead 
  • That’s the healthy way to go oh oh oh … [3]

Click the link below to watch the video 

Who could have guessed?

… that one day, we’d be told to live an online life. It used to be the other way around – “go out more, stop spending so much time online, that’s enough social media for one day,” but now the reverse is the case. 

Regardless, it is the best thing to do at the moment. Social distancing, an important public health intervention, might well be the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Social distancing rules 

In the United States, several Americans have been working remotely from home, schools have been shut down, and other non-essential services put on hold. All these are attempts to force social distancing. 

According to the CDC, “Many people in the US will at some point either this year or next, get exposed to the virus.” 

However, “social distancing can dramatically slow down the rate” at which the infection spreads. This will in turn ease the burden on the healthcare system. 

Here are a few tips on social distancing 

  1. Stay at least two meters away from other people when you have to go out, for instance, to pick some necessary things from the grocery store. Keep clear of people as much as you can. Be patient and take turns to access various groups. 
  2. Try as much as possible to go out alone, not in groups. This will reduce the number of people in stores and various other places. In turn, this means that social distancing is easier to achieve as opposed to when places are crowded.
  3. Use delivery services. These options are available and they reduce the amount of time you need to leave your house in search of food and other commodities [4]. 
  4. Avoid non-essential use of public transport. 
  5. Contact your healthcare provider and other essential services using your phone or online services. Only go out when it is an emergency. 
  6. Work from home when possible. If not, then stay at home and find something you can do online, perhaps take an online course to keep you busy. 
  7. Avoid gatherings of any sort, such as restaurants and leisure centers. Even gatherings with friends and family should be suspended for now [5]

More ways you can help to reduce the spread of the virus 

Hand washing has always been regarded as necessary to prevent and reduce the spread of diseases. Practicing good hygiene (handwashing especially) not only protects you, but also it protects others as well. 

According to Kate Vergara, Public Health Infectious Disease Specialist, “Wash your hands before you go out to protect others, and wash them again after the activity to protect yourself.” 

This handwashing should be with soap and water, and should last for at least 20 seconds. 

Also, cough or sneeze into a tissue which should be discarded in the trash immediately. Endeavor to disinfect frequently touched objects. 

Be sure to self-isolate, especially when you feel sick [6]. 

This is the time to help other people 

Several individuals, charities, and organizations have donated thousands, even millions, of dollars to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is truly grateful to them. 

You can also do something to help. If you were able to afford to stockpile your house with food and necessities in preparation for the quarantine, you should be thankful. 

However, some people weren’t so lucky. You could try to share with them. If there’s a shelter close to you, making donations of anything could be a big help to the people there. 

Even the stray animals need food, what with the closing of restaurants where they would have gotten food from. 

Do anything within your power to help the less privileged and others this period.  Be kind to others. This pandemic has taken so much from us, but not our humanity, and we must strive to keep it. 

These are trying times for all of us. But if we all do what we supposed to do, then the course of the virus will be short-lived, and the world can begin to rebuild. 

Remember to stay safe in your homes.

References

  1. The Making.” The Sound of Music. Editor. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  2. Coronavirus songs aren’t new: Storytelling songs have been adapted through the ages in times of disaster.” MSN. Larissa Romensky. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  3. Do Re Mi – COVID 19 version.” YouTube. Shirley Serban. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  4. Social distancing tips: the rules of safe shopping under coronavirus.” The Guardian. Martin Belam. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  5. Guidance on social distancing for everyone.” Gov.uk. Editor. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  6. What are the rules of social distancing?Vox. Leslie Goldman. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  7. Coronavirus: Symptoms, Prevention, & Natural Options.” The Hearty Soul. Dr. Jockers. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  8. Alabama Man Who Mows Lawns for the Elderly Now Delivers Free Meals and Supplies to People Who Can’t Leave Their Homes.” The Hearty Soul. Penelope Wilson. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  9. Some Good News: YouTube Channel Dedicated To Sharing Positive News From Around The World.” The Hearty Soul. Penelope Wilson. Accessed March 1, 2020.
  10. Teen Creates Website For He And His Friends To Deliver Groceries To Seniors.” The Hearty Soul. Thomas Nelson. Accessed March 1, 2020.