Shakira performs with dancers during a concert event. File

TikTok, a video making app, has been a popular tool among frontline workers in encouraging the public to stay safe since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The “Waka Waka” crooner, Shakira, shared the video on her social media page.

In the caption, she said, “These videos are incredible and I’m so honoured this song if mine now is yours, can be so uplifting in a such difficult times. Thank you frontline heroes for all you’re doing!”

In the footage, 20 healthcare workers stand the recommended two metres apart in the atrium of Belfast‘s Mater Hospital while taking it in turn to urge people to help limit the spread of COVID-19. 

One of them, a respiratory consultant called Angela, says: “We are now at a crucial time, this is not a rehearsal, you will only have one chance at this. 

“Stay at home.” It comes after many people appeared to ignore social distancing advice over the weekend, flocking to beaches, parks and pubs.

“I salute you,” she tweeted. “Thank you for what you are doing. Please hear the people trying to save lives – we are in a crisis. Stay at home.” 

Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon also retweeted the video, adding: “At times of crisis, health care workers stay at work for us. 

“They are asking us to stay at home for them.” 

The video was one of several social media messages posted as part of the #fightback campaign which saw sports stars and celebrities across Northern Ireland appeal to people to stay at home. 

The coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people globally, with 203,814 people dead and 841,996 recovered.

A vaccine is yet to be confirmed until then people are encouraged to stay home, practice social distancing and avoid touching their faces.