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'Call to Unite': George W Bush and Bill Clinton urge people to support each other, stay safe during pandemic

Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush joined the 'Call to Unite' live stream and talked about how dire the circumstances are and how important it is that people keep safe

'The Call to Unite' event is streaming live, in a 24-hour live stream hosted by Timothy Shriver, in an attempt to unite the world in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The stream has already seen musical performances featuring various celebrities, talks and interviews with Oprah Winfrey, medical professionals and religious leaders. Former American presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush also joined the event to present their message to not just the US, but the entire world. 

"We're all in it together," was a theme shared by both former presidents. Bush joined the stream with a voiceover in a video showing first responders and essential workers, talking about the extraordinary circumstances the world finds itself in. He urged caution and spoke of small actions that can better people's lives and provide comfort in these trying times. Clinton joined the stream, sharing much of the same message. He thanked essential workers, medical workers, and everyone on the frontlines who were at higher risk of infection but carrying on just to keep the world turning.

The message from both presidents was similar, talking about how dire the circumstances are and how important it is that people keep safe, practice social distancing guidelines, wash their hands and to stay at home as much as possible.

The former presidents also put out a call for people to donate - whether their time, effort, or money - to support coronavirus relief efforts, and those most affected by the disease. Clinton and Bush are the only two former presidents to be joining the live stream - neither Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama have been listed on the schedule.

The official Twitter account for 'Call to Unite' thanked both presidents for their appearance, writing, "We are all in it together." Thank you to President @BillClinton and to President George W. Bush, @TheBushCenter, for both coming to ask, how will you #AnswerTheCall?" 

The lives stream is in its early stages, having begun at 8 pm ET, and will be continuing until 8 pm ET on May 2. You can donate directly, or volunteer to aid, at the website's official page here.