AMMAN, Jordan — On Wednesday, Sesame Workshop is premiering new animated public service announcements to help families across MENA stay physically and emotionally healthy as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

The videos, which will be available in 18 languages, will air on MBC3 and will include Elmo’s new “Washy Wash” song, as well as Ahlan Simsim Muppets learning how to sneeze properly and how caring for yourself means caring for each other.

And with many children currently out of school, Ahlan Simsim also provides early learning to children at home on the Ahlan Simsim YouTube channel.

The new videos premiering include:

• Washy Wash with Elmo: Families can sing along with Elmo as he washes his hands for 20 seconds—washing the germs away and helping everyone stay healthy.

• Learning how to sneeze and cough safely with Gargur: Gargur helps children remember that when they feel a tickle in their noses or throats, they should remember to sneeze or cough into their upper sleeve or elbow—that helps keep the germs off their hands and away from other people. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

• Time to Wash Your Hands! Ahlan Simsim Muppets demonstrate different situations where children and families should wash hands — after coughs and sneezes, before eating, after playing, after using the bathroom, and more.

• Caring for Myself, Caring for Others: Ahlan Simsim Muppets help children understand that when you take good care of yourself, you’re taking good care of others, too.

“Ahlan Simsim is there for children and families whether it’s a bright day or a dark one, and unfortunately many families across MENA — and across the world — are facing unprecedented challenges right now,” said Sherrie Westin, president of social impact & philanthropy at Sesame Workshop.

“Ahlan Simsim is committed to supporting families throughout this crisis—equipping them with the tools they need to get through this together and look to the future with hope and optimism,” she added.

The new videos are part of Sesame Workshop’s Caring for Each Other initiative, which provides a rich array of Sesame Street content designed to comfort, educate, and entertain parents and children during the unprecedented uncertainty facing young children and families around the world. — SG