As you likely already know, the coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the world. From a lack of toilet paper to crashing stock markets, people around the globe are having an incredibly tough time. Now, more than ever, its a great time to get involved with helping others. Here are ways you can help during the coronavirus, from the comfort of your own home or while completing your essential activities.
Donate
Some people will buy everything the local pharmacy has in stock, meaning that some people won’t have any sanitizer or protective gear to go out for groceries. Things are even worse than that, though. Some hospitals are running out of essential right now as well, including personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
- N95 respirator masks
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Soap
- Goggles
- Disposable gloves
Do you have any of those at home? Are there any in the local store? If there’s no particular need to use them or share with someone close, make sure to buy them or collect and donate them to the local hospital!
Another place to donate and volunteer at is at your local food bank. With many schools and offices closed, and grocery store shelves bare, food banks have been hit incredibly hard during the coronavirus. Some specific food banks are already calling asking for extra help, including the Food Bank For New York City. So, please, if you can help out, please do! Just so you know: a mere $1 donation can provide two to five full meals!
Volunteer From Home
Don’t want to go out and want to stay home for the quarantine? No problem! There are a lot of organizations that make volunteering possible from the apartment. The company Alone is an amazing example. They search for companions for elderly that can call them for a little check-in for at least two hours a week. iCouldBe is another special program, which provides support to students who are now studying from home.
Crisis Text Line, on the other hand, is for those who don’t like talking via the phone and prefer texting. After a free training on how to respond to texts, you get to work any hours (preferably between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. PT) and become a counselor via text for those who feel anxious or have an issue.
Buy Gift Cards and Order Takeout
Looking for a way to financially help those restaurants that have had to close their dining rooms during the coronavirus outbreak? Why not order gift cards or order takeout! Purchasing a gift card online is perfect for those who don’t want to leave their home: it gives the restaurant desperately needed money right now and guarantees you a meal out once life goes back to normal.
On the other hand, ordering takeout through a site like Grubhub or Doordash doubly helps your local economy. Not only are you safely ordering food from a local eatery that needs help, but you’re also putting a few bucks into the pocket of the driver, who’s likely your neighbor!
Flatten The Curve
And the most essential thing to do can do to help beat the coronavirus pandemic is to try and flatten the curve. Some might boast about being “brave” and still going out while COVID-19 is spreading, but the bravest people are those in hospitals fighting for lives. So, for their sake, stay home and avoid human contact as much as possible. While out, practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet apart. If possible, order everything to the house and ask deliverymen to leave it at the door. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer.
Most importantly, limit news consumption to official sources and stay calm. This pandemic is not the worst thing happening right now, panic is a lot worse. And the best way to beat the time? Help out your fellow humans!
Sources: CNet