We now know that COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus that attacks the human respiratory and immune systems.
It begins with flu-like symptoms, and when you’re severely infected, you can die from respiratory failure. Because of this, there is pervasive fear and anxiety to every person and community, even those that are not affected by the virus.
As a result of this worldwide coronavirus outbreak, an unprecedented number of schools, businesses, communities, and entire countries are on lockdown in a planet-wide effort to contain the spread of the pandemic. As a result, many people in the UK and in other countries are unemployed, causing a lot of financial strain on their families and governments to worry about economic repercussions. These circumstances increase the number of people who need help during this stressful time.
Fortunately, aside from keeping up with safety protocols such as wearing face masks, observing social distancing and sanitation guidelines, and staying at home, you also have every opportunity to help and support others in need while this COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat to all.
This article summarizes some of the ways that you can help people during this coronavirus pandemic.
Check On Neighbors And Others In Your Community
While you might have prepared some essential stuff before the pandemic strikes, the people in your neighborhood might not have done so. Just in case, it’s a good idea to check on them and ensure that they’re doing fine. Call or message them and ask them if they need some essential items such as food, toiletries, or other stuff. If you have extra stocks of what they’re looking for, offer some by leaving it outside their house but avoid any direct contact.
On the other hand, if you want to check on your more vulnerable neighbors such as the aged, the helpless, and the infirm, go and knock their doors and the talk to them through the screen to offer some help.
Initiate A Fundraising Program
Aside from donating, you can also help those who are affected by the pandemic by initiating a fundraising program. With the variety of modern technology available these days, raising funds to support the fight against COVID-19 can be done through mobile phones or other electronic devices. Companies such as Hour-A-Thon provide a platform that can help you get started with fundraising by sending a direct text message from you to your potential donors’ mobile phones. This is the essence of mobile fundraising in the middle of the crisis.
Even if you stay at home for an indefinite time, you can still offer help through these modern technological innovations in the fundraising industry. To get started with your fundraising program, check this Twitter account for more information.
Make A Donation
While most people across the globe are on home quarantine, many professionals and institutions are working 24/7 to deliver services needed by those affected by the virus outbreak. Whether it’s a government or non-government charitable institution, consider making a donation if you have extra resources.
During this crisis, any form of donation can help support your government’s efforts along with the services rendered by healthcare professionals, essential goods manufacturers, and supply-chain services and commodities providers. No matter how small it is, everything you do can make a huge difference.
Mind How Much You Buy
Helping and supporting other people aren’t only limited to giving donations and raising funds. You can also help in simple ways that you may not be aware of. For example, during this pandemic, some people resorted to panic-buying when the lockdown began due to fear of running out of supplies. If you’re mindful of the number of groceries that you buy for you and your family, it is a great help.
If you have money, buy supplies that are good for at least two to three weeks of consumption. However, this doesn’t mean that you buy everything on the shelves as this will leave nothing for other shoppers who are also in need. Amidst the virus outbreak, it’s best to help each other instead of thinking only about your own needs.
Show Appreciation To The Frontliners
At some point, the COVID-19 pandemic will slow down and it is everyone’s hope that people will be able to return to their normal lives. However, before this can happen, we need to show our support to those who are on the frontlines for their sacrifices in combating this coronavirus disease.
From the grocery workers to the healthcare professionals, from the armed forces to the government and nongovernment agencies, and many more, they all deserve much appreciation and support from us all.
For instance, you can contact the police department and send some boxes of pizza for their snacks. For the nurses and doctors whose lives are on the line, you can send inspirational messages and words of gratitude to lift their spirits. These are great ways to help our frontliners who are under much pressure and stress yet continue to provide their time and effort during this crisis.
Be A Voice For Help
It is clear that almost everyone worries about their lives, their safety, and their futures. At the most basic levels, they need help to ensure that they cope with their basic needs. However, if you have nothing to donate, you can still help by being an advocate for people and organizations that need assistance.
To do this, you can share essential information on your network of friends on social media platforms. As you learn how the pandemic affects many lives globally, remind other people to keep supporting the government and other charitable institutions in their efforts to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and to manage the viral transmissions. If you know someone willing to help, guide them about where they can give to aid those who are affected by the virus.
By becoming a voice for help, you can help your friends in your network to understand that they can also assist people and communities in need during this COVID-19 pandemic. Even if this public health crisis requires you to stay at home, it’s still possible for you to support others by sharing the different ways that they can help.
Take Care Of Yourself
More than anything else, you should take care of yourself before helping others. In short, keeping yourself fit and healthy can be a perfect way for you to assist those people in need. If you’re in good shape, you can offer help at any time you want. But, if you’re not, help might be the least you can give to others. Therefore, do your part by taking care of yourself throughout the pandemic. Stay safe.
Conclusion
COVID-19 is now changing the ways people live and interact with others. Everyone is limited, constrained, and stressed, and you are most probably just as worried. However, this doesn’t mean that you are powerless. Start looking at what you have and offer whatever you can. If you have no idea how and where to start, keep these tips in mind. Your assistance can go a long way in this challenging time.
