Rita Ora unveils new emblem aimed at raising money to help combat the coronavirus

Rita Ora has unveiled a new emblem encouraging people to try and help stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The singer, 29, took to her Instagram to unveil new T-shirts and hoodies with a green and red printed logo and text that reads: ‘Stop the spread, play your part.’

The hitmaker is clearly taking the threat of the virus seriously as she also shared another photo of herself wearing a face mask. 

Alongside the post, Rita explained that proceeds from the merchandise would go towards the UN Foundation and the World Health Organisation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.  

She wrote: ‘In case you haven’t heard, I’ve launched #StopTheSpread merch campaign with and in support of @UNfoundation and @WHO!!! ALL proceeds go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. 

‘If you want to do something about Covid-19 stay safe and clean, and Play Your Part by getting this merch and helping the cause!! Link on my stories and in my bio right now, we can do this together.’ 

In a statement, Rita said: ‘Covid-19 is impacting the world in a way none of us could have imagined.

‘Over the last few months we have watched this virus spread throughout the world not quite understanding its impact. I think by now we all understand that this is something that is having and will continue to have devastating effects on everyone.

Rita explained how she contacted Sir Bob Geldof for advice on how she could make a difference in the fight against the virus.

Discussing ways of mobilising young people, they decided to create an emblem that would be printed on clothing to remind people that ‘we have a battle to fight together’. 

Rita said: ‘My prayers go out to all those who have lost loved ones, battling against this illness, scared, alone, tirelessly working on the front line in the medical profession and to every person that this is going to impact. Thank you to all those people involved in trying to combat the effects of this global pandemic. We all have a part to play in helping to stop the spread.

‘Thinking about what I can do to try and help, I reached out to Sir Bob Geldof for advice on how best to make any kind of difference. Bob was beyond gracious, as of course he has been the master of mobilizing young people all his life.

‘He and I have been discussing ways of mobilizing and uniting the younger generation with clear effective messaging.

‘His first idea was to design an emblem to remind us all that we have a battle to fight together. After working on this symbol, I sent it to the UN Foundation, who helped set up the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. 

‘I started discussing with them how we could work together, to encourage people to unite to combat as much as we can the spread of this virus. There are simple things we can all do to make a difference.’

Items for sale include hats, stickers and T-shirts with prices ranging from $8 (£6.91) to $50 (£43).  

The number of people positively diagnosed in the UK hit 2,626, up from 1,950 on Wednesday. A total of 56,221 people now have been tested. 

The pandemic has also led to the cancellation or postponement of numerous sporting and cultural events across the globe.