What You Can Do to Help Others During the Coronavirus Outbreak
During the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, it's easy to feel helpless, but there are still ways you can support others in your community to help sustain their well-being. With more confirmed cases of COVID-19 growing nationwide, however, it's important to start with the basics and look after your own health first:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. (Here's the correct way to do it.)
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces using wipes or sprays containing 60 percent alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol), and use the recommended cleaning supplies to prevent coronavirus.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.
- Stay home if you're feeling sick.
Keep reading to find out what else you can do to help those around you during this sensitive time.
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Donate to Food Banks and Shelters
If it's within your means, donating food and supplies to local food banks and shelters is a great way to help out those who might not have access to basic necessities. If you're looking to do even more, you can also volunteer through your local food bank to safely drop off care packages to those under quarantine via a "ding dong dash" method safer for everyone involved, according to The New York Times.
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Check on Older Neighbors and Relatives
People over the age of 60 and those with preexisting conditions — like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes — are at the highest risk for contracting the coronavirus. Checking in on neighbors, friends, and relatives who fall under this category, as well as those with limited mobility, can make a world of difference.
Many people within this demographic are isolating themselves in their homes for fear of becoming ill. A simple phone call to ask if you can get them anything while you run to the supermarket or a conversation through a sealed door as a precautionary measure is all it takes to show that you care.
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Support Local Businesses
Many small businesses are feeling the economic impact of people social distancing to reduce their risks of contracting coronavirus. Businesses across the nation are at risk of closure, while workers at retail establishments face severe pay cuts or loss of employment altogether. But there are a few ways to help:
- Purchasing gift cards to local retailers to give to those around you or save for later use is one way.
- Ordering from local businesses when you need supplies or niche products, rather than turning to your typical online providers, is another great way to support retail locations in your area.
- If there's a service you subscribe to or a membership you own (gym, dog walker, house cleaner, dance class, painting class, etc.), consider maintaining your subscription or membership, even if you aren't using it to support those who will be hit hard by the loss of wages.
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Donate Blood
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to grow, the number of people eligible to donate blood decreases. As a result, Red Cross blood drives nationwide have been canceled over coronavirus concerns, and the number is expected to increase. If you are healthy and able to give blood, find out where you can donate.
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Donate
During a time where people are uncertain about their well-being, all donation amounts are appreciated. This includes food banks, social services, and organizations that help those who have been hurt economically by the virus. Here are a few organizations that you can consider donating to: