Today's Google Doodle offers advice on staying safe during the pandemic - here are the top tips

(Image: Google)(Image: Google)
(Image: Google)

Today's Google Doodle promotes social distancing and the wearing of face coverings in the age of Covid-19.

Carrying the message "Wear A Mask. Save Lives.", the animated offering starts with the Google logo looking just as one would expect, before its letters sprout legs, and don masks.

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The 'e' at the end of 'Google' even has a little trouble affixing its covering, but while the animation is cutesy, it packs an important message.

The short sequence ends with the letters of the search engine's logo spreading out to a safe distance to encourage social distancing.

Here's everything you need to know about it.

What does today's Doodle do?

As one of the world's largest tech companies, Google has been taking an active stance in the fight against Covid-19.

Today's Google Doodle links to a number of steps everybody can take to help curb the spread of the virus.

To stop coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading:

  • Try to stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from anyone you do not live with or anyone not in your support bubble
  • Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available, wash your hands as soon as you get home
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • Wear something that covers your nose and mouth when it’s hard to stay away from people, such as in shops or on public transport
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
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Today's Doodle has a much wider reach than most of Google's offerings - which can vary from region to region around the world - in an effort to drive home an important message during a time of pandemic which is affecting nearly every corner of the globe.

The Doodle was actually released by mistake a week early, but was quickly taken down. Today's launch will be sticking though, at least for 24 hours.

What else is Google doing to fight coronavirus?

In late July, it announced new plans to let employees continue to work from home until summer 2021, in response to the pandemic.

The company had previously revealed plans to begin reopening more offices globally as early as June this year, with the majority of its workers back in offices by the start of next year.

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However, after discussions between top executives, an extension to the previously set date of January 2021 as a tentative deadline for office returns has now been confirmed.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the work from home extension will affect "nearly all" of the company's 200,000 employees.

Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, explained the move in an email to employees, writing, "To give employees the ability to plan ahead, we are extending our global voluntary work from home option through June 30, 2021 for roles that don't need to be in the office.”