Google's search animation is encouraging people to wear masks as some states begin lifting mandates

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  • Each of the letters in "Google" is wearing a face mask in the new animation.

  • When clicked, the animation leads Googlers to a results page about COVID-19 prevention.

  • Wear a mask, stay distanced, and get the vaccine, are some of the tips Google provides.

  • See more stories on Insider's business page.

Google's search animation Tuesday featured each letter of the namesake word wearing a face mask, that, when clicked, says, "Wear a mask. Save lives" in response to the search phrase "COVID-19 prevention."

The search results continue with: "Wear a mask that fits well with no gaps; Stay at least 6 feet from others; Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces; Get a vaccine when it's available to you."

The search engine also supplies resources for where to get a vaccine and how many cases of COVID-19 are in the local county. Google ran a similar Doodle in August last year.

A spokesperson for the company told Insider the Doodle " is just a friendly reminder that masks are still important."

Read more: A pivot to selling face masks saved small businesses. Here's what they learned from a year of selling the world's most in-demand product

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Misinformation about face masks has proliferated for months, and it has even contributed to people violently refusing to wear one.

Recently, states across the country, including Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, have begun lifting their face mask mandates as cases of COVID-19 have dropped amid the vaccine rollout.

But public health experts have warned against doing so, saying it's too soon, and have asked Americans to continue wearing masks to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Though cases of COVID-19 and deaths from the virus have sharply declined from their peak in January, they're on the rise again, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor, attributed the increase to the nation opening up "prematurely." CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said she's scared and urged people to "hold on a little longer."

Read the original article on Business Insider