How You Can Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm. Countless stores and restaurants across the globe had to close their doors, costing them income, and thus resulting in many employees being laid-off and furloughed. The tourism industry is taking a huge hit, as many countries have imposed strict lock-downs, preventing people from traveling in and out of their areas as a way to prevent the transmission of the virus; this is especially brutal for islands such as those in the Caribbean, whose main source of income relies on tourism. Hospitals and healthcare professionals are enduring high-levels of stress due to an increased number of patients and a lack of resources. Needless to say, the economy (and many other things) are experiencing a steep downfall. Therefore, we have listed five different ways you can help out and support your community during these turbulent times!

Giving Masks

Hospitals and healthcare offices, and a plethora of other service institutions, are experiencing an enormous shortage of masks, which are essential for protecting yourself and others from the virus. Unleash your crafty side by pulling out your sewing machine from storage, or try a no-sew mask tutorial! There’s plenty you can find on YouTube. In fact, there is a tutorial on CDC's website guiding how to make at-home masks out of extra fabric. If you don’t have the time or resources to create them yourself, you can definitely purchase them on Amazon and donate them to your nearby healthcare center. Trust me, they’ll be super grateful for any amount of masks you can give (just make sure that they’re sterile!).

Creating Signs/Posters of Appreciation

Although it isn’t possible to hand-deliver cards to frontline workers, you can appreciate them in a way that follows social distancing measures! We’ve seen many people in our neighborhoods put up signs thanking essential workers outside their homes, and it’ll definitely put a smile on a worker’s face while they drive by your place. It doesn’t have to be a poster - we’ve seen people use chalk to write on their wooden fencing, stick positive images on their windows, and put in yard signs at the foot of their lawns. Put your creativity to the test!

(Virtual) Volunteering

Volunteering is something we should all try to do throughout the year regardless of the current climate. Altruism is an important quality and volunteering is one way you can nurture it. There are many food banks that can use volunteers right now to help pre-packaged meals and assist with a curbside pick-up for families in dire need of proper nutrition, as many people have lost their jobs due to certain industries needing to close down, and do not have the money to be able to support themselves without current income. If you are uncomfortable with leaving your home during this time (which is completely understandable, us too!), then you can surf the internet for virtual volunteering opportunities (yes, they exist!). Something Shreya is planning on doing is becoming a virtual hospice volunteer, which would involve calling terminally-ill :( patients and checking up on them; this will also count as clinical hours that are a requirement for her medical school applications. She is excited because this way, she can help those in need, and get something checked off her to-do list!

Supporting Local Businesses

Local, non-essential businesses were forced to board-up doors at the cusp of the lockdown, which has heavily impacted their income. If you are able to and are comfortable in doing so, consider purchasing takeout from a restaurant in your locale. Some restaurants are even selling their ingredients in bulk at a discounted rate, so consider getting some of your weekly groceries from a restaurant in your area that is offering this option. Shreya even saw a YouTube video in which people randomly chose a local eatery by scrolling through the GrubHub app; this helped them explore new places to eat in their community, and also helped the local business keep afloat for a bit longer.

Donating to COVID-19 Relief Organizations

If you don’t have the time to be able to invest in any of the projects earlier, or they simply aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! There’s always the option of monetarily helping out. If you are fortunate enough and have some extra cash (maybe from saving money on gas because you don’t have to commute to work or school anymore!), definitely consider making a donation (of any size!) to a COVID-19 relief organization. Do your research on what each organization is doing to help out, and donate to whichever one’s project you appreciate the most.

MESSAGE FROM THE CDC: If you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.

MESSAGE FROM US: If you or your anyone you know is experiencing any sort of hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and are unsure where to seek help, please don't hesitate to send us an email at elysianisticaura@gmail.com and we will do our best to direct you to resources that may be of use in your situation. As always, please continue to follow proper social distancing measures as directed by the CDC and government, wear face coverings in public, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. We can overcome this!