“Let me tell you the secret that has led to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.” – Lous Pasteur
Fighting Covid-19: What can we do?
In this article, I list five ways in which we can begin fighting coronavirus.
Although this is a food focused travel website, I always envisioned being able to write the odd article or two on any subject that takes my fancy, hence why the “random” category exists on the site. I love writing about both travel and food, two things I am deeply passionate about, yet I never wanted to limit myself to solely writing about those two topics. Sure, the vast majority of articles will be on those subjects but it’s a big world stuffed full of things. Why limit?
Obviously, right now, the world is engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic. There are very few countries not touched by this outbreak and few lives not impacted. One-quarter of the world is in a state of lockdown. The news is full of stories about coronavirus and little else. The news is often negative but there are always reasons to be bright.
I recently wrote a post, Coronavirus: some positive thoughts and perspective. You may like to read it if you are feeling glum and fed up with all the “bad news.” No matter what, there is always a bright side. No matter what, we should endeavour to find a reason to smile. No matter what, there will always be a reason for smiling. So here I am writing once again about coronavirus. I feel I have a little more to say that may prove helpful.
In times such as these, we often feel completely helpless. We feel lost. The world that once seemed so familiar and stable is gone. The rug has been pulled out from under us. We are lost at sea and have yet to find our sea legs! What can we do to fight the coronavirus? What can I do? How can I help?
There are a few things that we can all do to fight this virus. There ARE things we can do to fight back. You can do something. We are not powerless. You can fight the coronavirus!
So let’s take the fight to this virus! Here are 5 ways you can begin fighting back!
“Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” – Louis Pasteur
Join the battle to create a cure for the virus!
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Join the World Health Organisation in the fight!
WHO is leading the fight globally against covid-19. They organise the response to this pandemic internationally and perform vital work.
How can I help? You can directly fund WHO by donating to the solidarity covid-19 response fund.
By donating you are providing help:
- Putting in place activities to Track and understand the spread of the virus;
- Ensuring patients get the care they need
- Buying and shipping essential supplies such as masks, gloves and protective wear for frontline workers
- Producing evidence based guidelines and advice, and make sure health workers and responders get the information and training to detect and treat affected patients;
- Producing guidance for the general public and for particular groups on measures to take to prevent the spread and prevent themselves and others
- Accelerating efforts to develop vaccines, tests and treatments.
Help people stay fed!
This virus has exposed the cracks in our society. Many countries have long slashed the budgets of social care and removed social safety nets. Funding for projects that care for the vulnerable has dwindled. The gap between the poor and the rich has become an awful chasm that widens with every passing year. We have built a selfish society. The poor and the homeless are as ever the ones to suffer first and most.
Food banks play a vital role in helping those with little money and no food. In rich western countries, lands of plenty, these things should not exist and yet they are vital for many. Many people live hand to mouth. Too many wonder how they will feed themselves and their families. Food banks have stepped into the space once occupied by the state.
Coronavirus has sent shock waves of panic throughout almost every country. The stores are empty as people grab whatever they can with little regard of others needs. They selfishly hoard towers of tins and great piles of produce – not to mention the mountains of toilet roll in their homes.
Meanwhile, the food banks struggle.
Even before this outbreak, they struggled for enough supply but now foodbanks are at crisis point. Food that would go towards making sure the homeless and the poor get something to eat is hard to come by. Millions will go hungry and possibly die.
How can I help? Please consider donating to a food bank! They really need your support right now. If you are in the UK you can donate either food or money to the Trussell Trust. They run and organise the UK’s food banks.
If you are in the U.S then please consider helping by donating to the Feed America organisation.
Lend your support.
How can I help? We are all in the same boat. Maybe, somebody, you know if feeling anxious and would like to talk? Maybe somebody you know is short of something essential like hand sanitizer or toilet paper. If you have plenty then consider giving them something. Don’t just assume everybody is doing okay. Reach out. Ask them.
Restaurants are the businesses that might be hurting the most from this pandemic. Many restaurants are offering gift cards that you or somebody else can use one this is over. For a lot of restaurants, this is a lifeline that could mean the difference between staying open or closing for good. If you have a favourite restaurant and you would like to help then consider buying a gift voucher or take out if possible. Now you can justify that take away delivery by telling yourself it’s a good deed!
How can I help?
Washing our hands, staying at home where possible, keeping our distance (2m or 6ft), not coughing or sneezing without containing it with tissue are enormously important in slowing or preventing the spread. If you are doing these things you are saving lives. This is how we all can help. Let’s continue to keep doing the small things.
“For so many years I failed in hand washing. No more!” – Me.
Final Thoughts
Often in times where the world moves with seemingly malicious intent, it feels like it is beyond our control, We feel utterly helpless. We ask what can I do? What could I possibly do to help? I am sure some of the current hoarding and panic buying is born of this feeling. It helps to feel a little more in control. In the face of such an impactful and tremendous thing, we feel helpless.
We are never helpless as we might believe. There are always things we can do. Above all things, keep a smile about yourself at all times and lend it to others. Above all things keep calm and remember this will pass. Today the world is suffering from this crisis but in years to come coronavirus will be just another chapter.
I truly hope this was useful. If you felt it was then please do share this.
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Stay safe. Keep cheerful. 🙂