'Sesame Street' special to tackle impact of coronavirus pandemic

'Seasame Street' is gearing up for a 25-minute special episode to help children tackle a world upturned by the coronavirus pandemic.

Elmo and Cookie Monster will join muppets from Asia and the Middle East for the show that will air over the next few weeks in 13 languages across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

It will share activities, play, and advice on how to manage being at home all the time and even tackle "big feelings" like frustration and sadness.

"Children are at home spending a lot more time indoors than before and families are really struggling with how to help them keep learning, keep engaged, how to play in new ways," said executive producer Scott Cameron.

"Playing helps you manage some of the big feelings that are coming up for children and caregivers, because play is such a powerful way for kids to express things that they might not otherwise be able to express."

Elmo's World News will see Elmo host a news show from his bedroom, with Cookie Monster playing a special correspondent and Grover playing the weather reporter.

Meanwhile, Basma and Jad, the stars of the Ahlan Simsim, the Arabic version of Sesame Street, will show how to manage feelings with dance.