The ongoing coronavirus crisis continues to have a huge impact on our daily lives. With schools and businesses closing and essential workers run off their feet, you might be wondering how to help others during the coronavirus outbreak.
In a time of anxiety and social distancing, what can we do to look out for one another? Amidst stories of people emptying supermarket shelves and fighting over toilet paper and food, there are lots of simple ways to care for each other during the COVID-19 outbreak. While it is easy to feel powerless in such an unprecedented situation, here are some ways people are helping each other during the pandemic:
Ways To Help Others During The Coronavirus Outbreak
1Stay At Home And Do Your Part To Flatten The Curve
The first (and most important thing) you can do during the COVID-19 pandemic is to stay at home. The coronavirus is thought to spread from person-to-person through droplets from coughs, sneezes or just talking. Further research suggests people may have the virus and never show symptoms, and yet these asymptomatic people are just as contagious and are still able to spread the virus. This is why staying at home and social distancing is a crucial selfless act to prevent the spread of the virus.
2Avoid Panic-Buying And Hoarding Of Supplies
While the ongoing pandemic may feel apocalyptic at times, it’s important not to panic when it comes to buying groceries and supplies. Be mindful of how much food, toilet paper, or sanitiser you’re purchasing, as buying more than you need could mean limiting supplies for someone else. Also don’t hoard supplies (such as medical masks) that healthcare workers desperately need, especially when you can make your own.
3Offer Your Assistance To At-Risk And Overworked Neighbours
The coronavirus is known to be a greater risk to older individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions. If any of your neighbours are elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant, or quarantined, they may be unable to go out to pharmacies and grocery stores. Additionally, healthcare and other essential workers are working overtime at the moment, and could likely use a little help with their errands and other tasks. If you’re young and healthy, why not offer to run errands for them, whether by picking up prescriptions and groceries or delivering packages? It’s another way people are helping each other during the pandemic. Remember to arrange for a contact-free pick-up and delivery, through the phone or via messaging.
4Support Small Local Businesses To Keep Them Afloat
Stay-at-home orders have taken their toll on tons of small businesses, as well as bars, restaurants, and cafes. Offer your support by ordering directly from restaurants where possible, regularly tipping delivery workers, buying merchandise, renewing gym memberships, or buying gift cards.
5Volunteer Your Time
For many of us, it is frustrating to stay at home. If you suddenly find yourself with a lot of time on your hands, why not volunteer some of it? Another simple way to care for each other during the COVID-19 pandemic would be to organise an online sing-a-long, meditation or dance party to ward off cabin fever to stay connected. You could also write letters or chat with people in assisted and senior living facilities.
6If You Have Money Left Over From Cancelled Events Or Travel Plans, Consider Donating It
Since the spread of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, many countries have shut their borders, cancelled public gatherings, and issued stay-at-home-orders. This has put an end to most travel and events like concerts and festivals. However, if you’re wondering how to help others during the coronavirus outbreak, consider allocating those funds to provide support to your community instead. Donate the ticket price from a cancelled performance or sporting event, or use it to buy food for those in need.
7Donate To Charities That Provide Supplies And Funding For Hospitals And Healthcare Workers
Hospitals around the world are facing a shortage of crucial resources to properly combat COVID-19, which means that healthcare workers are treating the sick without adequate protection. Many charitable organisations are helping provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical machinery to ensure that healthcare workers stay safe on the front lines, so consider helping them out.
Consider: The International Medical Corps; Direct Relief; PharmEasy
8Support Local Nonprofits That Are Directly Working With The Community
Non-profit organisations all over the world are doing amazing work to help children, the homeless, those struggling with mental health issues and more. They are working on the frontlines to combat often overlooked areas affected by the coronavirus outbreak, and supporting them is often a great way to offer direct support to your community. If you’re unsure of where to donate, or how you can help your community during coronavirus, direct your efforts at what you’re most passionate about, whether it’s helping animal shelters, help teach children, support victims of domestic abuse, or provide counselling services.
Consider: Save The Children; Give India; PETA
9Help Those Who Are Going Hungry
Many people are now out of work or unable to shop for groceries due to the pandemic related lockdowns around the world. Food insecurity and hunger are a serious concern for millions of vulnerable populations, like the elderly, homeless, or day labourers. With many food banks facing increased demand due to the virus, consider supporting them. You can either donate food (find out what is needed first) or money (which gives the organisation more flexibility over which supplies they can purchase)
Consider: Uday Foundation; Feeding India; SAFA Society
So How Are You Going To Help During These Times Of Need?
In this time of fear and anxiety, we all need more solidarity. We need to find ways to protect the older, sick, homeless and isolated people who are most vulnerable to the virus. So if you’re looking for ways to help others during the coronavirus outbreak, and if you’re a bit frustrated to keep hearing that staying at home is the best way to help the spread of coronavirus, here are some other ways you and your friends, family and community can look out for one another.
