
5 ways to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic
All we have to do is #stayhome, and literally sit on our couches to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Not too much to ask when there are currently hundreds of thousands of people sick with the virus right around the world.
“The goal is not so much to reduce the total number of infections as it is to spreading [those who get infected] over time,” said Dr. Allison McGeer, Infectious Disease Consultant.
But staying home and doing nothing has many people feeling helpless.
Here are some small actions we can all take that will make a big difference during this pandemic.
1. You’ve heard it a thousand times already, but do it again: clean your hands
“The most efficient way this virus is spread is from one person to the next person,” McGeer told Lorna Dueck.
“Your mother told you to always clean your hands before you eat, and that is what you should all be doing.”
2. Help homeless people through a food or financial donation
“For people who are self-isolating at home, and also social distancing, there are still ways to support this community,” Erinn Oxford, executive director of The Dale Ministries told Context. “One of the ways is through money, [donating] directly to an organization like The Dale or any of the other ones across this country.”
3. Don’t stockpile food – instead stockpile kindness
“Food banks are particularly hard hit. Make sure that you don’t have so much that others don’t have access to any,” Oxford added.
4. Play “tech support” to connect virtually with a senior or someone who is isolated and alone
“Go as high bandwidth as you can. The more you can see and hear of other people the better. Text messages are very low bandwidth, video chat is high bandwidth,” Andy Crouch, author of Culture Making told Context.
Crouch also says it’s not too late for elderly to learn new technology. “It’s time for the younger generation to play tech-support.”
5. Set up some kind of structure in your day
“I find it’s best to have rhythms. I have periods where I’m not on screens, I’m not checking news,” Crouch adds.
For more information, including how to donate to Food Banks and other organizations in need:
Watch Context’s special episode on the COVID-19 crisis.