People across the world are being encouraged to practice self-isolation and social distancing to contain the spread of the highly-infectious novel coronavirus. In USA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday recommended against gatherings of 50 people or more over the next two months. Closer home, over the last couple of weeks, state after state has shut down schools, colleges, malls and cinema halls. Delhi on Monday banned weekly markets and all gatherings by more than 50 people, while also shuttering night clubs, gyms and swimming pools.

While some have called these measures extreme, a video going viral online explains the importance of social distancing in the times of coronavirus.

According to Today, the animated video was created by husband and wife artist team. It shows a row of matches catching fire until one 'steps out' of the queue and prevents the fire from spreading any further.

"Do your part and stay home. It's all we can do," artist Juan Delcan, who directed the 3D clip, wrote on Twitter.

Watch the video below:

Do your part and stay home. It’s all we can do. pic.twitter.com/dLOkV3znNe

— juan delcan (@juan_delcan) March 16, 2020

One version of the 12-second clip has collected more than 2 million views on Twitter since being shared online two days ago. It has also garnered praise for explaining a complex matter in a simple way.

True, stay at home maximum if u don't have any important work outside..

— shashank dwivedi (@Shashankd65) March 16, 2020

Thank you for your contribution... this is very effective!

— Karen is social distancing... you should too! (@kwm537) March 16, 2020

This 12 sec video by @juan_delcan is brilliant. It is the simplest way to explain social distancing and how it stops the spread of #COVID19. Send it to everyone you know. https://t.co/LUkYsF9y1m

— Victoria Brownworth ☣ (@VABVOX) March 16, 2020

Valentina Izaguirre, designed and styled the set for the video, told Today that she and her partner wanted to reach out to youngsters through the video.

"We wanted to reach younger people who are not taking this seriously," the 48-year-old explained. "One of the most touching messages we received, was from a kid who said our visual helped him to realize the severity of the situation."