Let’s take this party online! A 101-year-old man whose March 31st birthday bash has been cancelled because of coronavirus fears asks people to get him 101,000 likes on Twitter instead
- 101 year-old Owen had his birthday cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic
- He took a picture of himself holding a sign, asking for good birthday wishes
- Picture was shared by Mohamad Safa, a UN representative and climate activist
- He’s now well on his way to getting 101,000 likes in time for his birthday
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
A 101-year-old whose birthday was cancelled due to social distancing measures is asking the Internet to help him reach 101,000 likes on Twitter in lieu of a party.
The man, known only as Owen, believed to be a US citizen, is seen in a photo that’s been posted on Twitter holding a sign announcing his birthday celebration has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
Instead of a party, he’s now hoping for 101,000 greetings from across the globe.
Because the global pandemic affects older people more severely, Owen is among the millions of pensioners self-isolating. His message has gathered huge momentum after being shared by Mohamad Safa, a permanent UN representative, entrepreneur and climate activist from Lebanon.
In his post, shared with his 78,800 followers, Safa asks them to take 60 seconds to help the elderly man.
Owen, a 101-year-old believed to be from the US, took a picture of himself holding his birthday ask, which announced his celebrations have been cancelled due to coronavirus and asking for virtual likes instead
UN permanent representative Mohamad Safa shared the elderly man’s plea on Twitter to his 78,000 followers
The photo sees a smiling Owen holding a sign which read: ‘Hello, I am Owen. I am turning 101 on March 31st.’
‘My party was canceled because of social distancing. Help me celebrate by getting 101k likes/comments.’
Safa added to the photo: ‘His 101st birthday party was canceled because of the impact of the coronavirus.
‘Please share and comment to help us make his upcoming birthday special. Please leave him a message here. Take 60 seconds and do it for Owen!’
People from all over the world rushed to wish the elderly man a happy birthday on Twitter (above)
Many replied to the call, wishing the elderly man well on his upcoming birthday.
‘Wow, your looking good Owen. Have a fab 101st Birthday Young Man and please stay safe,’ one wrote.
‘Hi Owen! Happy Birthday from Sydney, Australia. Keep well and don’t party too hard on your big day,’ said another.
‘Wooo, you are one handsome fellow indeed! Happy birthday! Wish you the very very BEST! Best wishes here from HongKong!
Many elderly people were asked to self-isolate during the duration of the covid-19 pandemic to avoid infection.
According to tested cases, coronavirus is reported to have infected 5,018 people in the UK and to now have killed 240. In the US, 26,905 cases have been declared, 348 resulting in death.
It was reported that most of the most of the fatalities recorded across the world have been people who are elderly or suffer underlying conditions, and have weakened immune systems.
In the UK, Matt Hancock confirmed the government would tell the elderly to stay at home for up to four months as he admitted the NHS did not currently have enough ventilators for the fight against coronavirus.
The Health Secretary said people over the age of 70 would be told to self-isolate even if they do not have symptoms in a bid to stem the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable in society.
He said ‘we don’t want to do that too soon because clearly it is not an easy thing for people to do, it is not an easy thing for people to sustain’ but he said he expected the stay-at-home advice to be issued ‘certainly in the coming weeks absolutely’.