None of us ever imagined that we would be living through a pandemic.
We always knew it was a possibility, but it just never seemed like it would ever happen
to us.
And while our medical community is on the front lines helping to treat patients amid
all the uncertainty, many of us have been wondering what we can do to help out.
Hey, how’s it going everyone?
It’s Ernest from Trip Astute.
In this video, I want to share some things that you can do to help with fighting the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is a strange time for the channel, especially since travel is mostly disrupted right now.
While we had some travel-related videos in our pipeline, I just don’t think that they
are relevant right now given that a lot of us are staying home and avoiding contact with
others.
So today, I wanted to do a video on things that we can do to help during the pandemic.
I know many of you have been affected by this virus, both physically and economically.
As a society and community, it’s time for us to come together and help one another get
through this challenging and dark time.
The first thing you can do, which is probably the most important, is to follow proper hygiene
and physical distancing guidelines.
You’ll notice that I’m using the term “physical distancing” instead of “social
distancing”.
That’s because it’s the new terminology used by the World Health Organization since
there seems to be confusion with term social distancing.
These guidelines aren’t just for those that are sick.
It’s actually more important for those that are not infected in order to prevent and slow
the transmission rate of the virus.
You all are probably well aware of the phrase “flattening the curve.”
This is critical for us to achieve in order to reduce the strain caused by a rapid number
of infections.
This is particularly important to help protect our healthcare system and workers.
We covered how to wash your hands in our previous video, along with disinfecting surfaces and
not touching your face.
However, many of us are now having to physically distance ourselves from others in order to
slow the spread of the virus.
Here in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed that some people seem to interpret the rules to mean
that they can gather outside or even exercise in crowded places.
Though that’s not within the guidelines for physical distancing.
I think a good rule of thumb is to assume that you’re a carrier, even if you aren’t
showing any symptoms.
This means that you want to avoid people to the best of your ability and maintain a distance
of six feet or more from others (other than those in your household).
Basically, think about how you can avoid spreading the virus to others, even if you think you
don’t have it.
We especially want to protect our most vulnerable in society right now, which includes our senior
community.
2.
Donate blood: Blood banks have been hit hard by the pandemic as people have been sheltering
at home while blood and platelet donations have gone down.
Many people depend on blood and platelets to survive, and that doesn’t change just
because we’re in a pandemic.
If you’re healthy and meet the criteria, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment
with your local Red Cross blood donation center.
Some of you might be concerned with exposure to others during the process of donating blood.
That’s a very reasonable concern, especially given the physical distancing guidelines.
Luckily, the Red Cross is also concerned about exposure and has set up enhanced safety protocols
that include checking temperatures before allowing donors to enter, wiping and disinfecting
all equipment and contact areas, and increasing the space between donor beds to meet physical
distancing guidelines.
Just keep in mind that the Red Cross does have specific eligibility criteria for donating
blood.
For example, if you’ve traveled to any location that is currently a hotspot for COVID-19,
then you’re likely ineligible to donate blood at this time.
3.
Donate money or supplies: As many of you know, schools have been closed and unemployment
is rising.
This combination places enormous strain on many households, especially low income and
hourly workers who are trying to provide for their families.
If you’re fortunate to be employed during this period, I highly recommend donating money
or food to your local food bank or soup kitchen.
It doesn’t have to be a huge donation either.
Even a dollar or two can help feed a family in need.
If we all contribute just a little bit, our micro-donations can have a macro effect.
If you prefer to donate toward medical supplies or support, I highly recommend Relief International,
Heart to Heart International, and Doctors without Borders.
These organizations are helping to provide medical supplies and services to healthcare
workers around the world.
Another option is Global Giving, which is working to raise $5 million toward both medical
and food supplies.
The bottom line is that now is the time to help others, especially if your financial
situation is stable.
4.
Help your neighbors: I was so touched when I recently went on Nextdoor.com in my local
community and saw offers from neighbors to get groceries or supplies for others.
This is especially important for those in our community who are most vulnerable, like
our seniors who might not have the resources or ability to prepare.
And it’s not just our neighbors.
Think of the people in your life that you interact with on a regular basis.
I bet there’s someone who could use your help.
Whether it’s a grocery run or even moral support, there are so many opportunities within
our neighborhoods to help others.
Isolation and loneliness are a real problem, and it’s only being compounded by this pandemic.
Help your neighbors connect and don’t wait for those that need help to ask.
Be proactive and see how you can help others in your community.
And for those of you in this community that are into credit cards and points, I urge you
to help those in your life with things like setting up contactless or mobile payments.
It might not seem like much, but even reducing one’s exposure through the exchange of cash
can reduce the risk of infection.
Again, it’s these small changes that can help make a larger impact.
Sharing your knowledge, as simple as it sounds, can make a difference.
5.
Volunteer virtually: Perhaps you’re stuck at home and wondering if there is a way that
you can help without getting additional exposure.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to help.
Many organizations like the United Nations and Red Cross need volunteers to help and
have roles that are completely virtual.
If you have the bandwidth and time, now might be the perfect opportunity to volunteer, even
if you have to do it behind a computer.
6.
Support local businesses: The economic impact of the pandemic on our local businesses is
devastating.
Small businesses need our help.
Consider ordering food online to support local restaurants.
For other businesses that you might frequent, consider buying gift cards that you can use
one the situation settles.
Also, think about people in your life who you depend on regularly for services like
haircuts or child care.
These folks likely need help too.
You might consider paying them for work, even if they are unable to provide it.
On that note, 7.
Give generous tips to service workers: Many service workers do not have benefits, so it’s
important that we try to help them as much as possible.
Consider giving a bit extra to those that may not have paid time off or benefits.
8.
Think of creative ways to connect with others: More than ever, we need to find ways to connect
with those in our lives.
This pandemic will undoubtedly cause people to feel isolated and depressed.
While we may not be able to spend time face-to-face, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t options.
Luckily, we live during an amazing time when it comes to technology.
There are so many free tools that we use to connect with others, whether it be through
video or even through games.
Now is definitely the time to use technology to help connect with others, especially when
we’re all trying to practice physical distancing.
For example, one of my best friends and I decided to meet this week for coffee virtually.
We set-up a time, both made coffee, and dedicated time to chat as if we were meeting at a cafe.
Also, Fiona and I had planned to celebrate a friend’s birthday this past weekend, but
had to cancel due to the pandemic.
However, we decided to meet virtually to catch up over video call.
It doesn’t replace being there in-person, but it’s so much better than texting.
And I’ve even heard stories of people hosting game nights virtually with their friends.
In fact, both Fiona and I love to play tabletop games, so we’re planning to host a games
night where we stream a copy of JackBox Games over Zoom.
If you haven’t tried Fibbage, which is one of the games included in the pack, it’s
one of our favorite games to play with friends.
And just because we’re not in the same place doesn’t mean that we can’t still play
and enjoy a games night with our friends.
Again, isolation and loneliness are real issues during this pandemic.
Help your friends and family to stay connected during this tough time.
9.
Use correct terminology: One of the most toxic results of this pandemic has been the misuse
of terminology and names to associate the virus with specific people.
For example, the Asian community has been the target of many attacks due to the stigma
created by these names.
It’s important that we fight against this misuse of language and names.
Blaming an ethnic group is wrong, hurtful, and counterproductive.
And just to illustrate the point even further, the flu pandemic in 1918 is often referred
to as the Spanish Influenza since the first widespread cases appeared there.
Though scientists now believe that the virus originated from farmers in Kansas who were
drafted in World War 1.
They ended up spreading the virus in Europe, which then resulted in a pandemic.
Though the Spanish were stigmatized for the outbreak, it didn’t actually start there.
And looking back, it’s clear that viruses capable of a worldwide pandemic can originate
anywhere.
This is a global issue, and we need to find ways to unite to confront it.
That means using the correct terminology, like COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus, and
confronting those that wish to call it otherwise to blame a specific group.
Lastly, 10.
Practice kindness and compassion: It’s more important than ever that we practice empathy
and kinship with one another.
These are difficult times, and it’s easy to focus solely on ourselves.
But I would argue that now is the most important time for us to care for one another.
The situation is likely going to get worse before it gets better.
But it doesn’t mean that we can’t lead and engage with compassion.
How are you all doing during this pandemic?
What other ways have you found to help your community?
Please share below in the comment section.
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We hope you all are staying healthy and safe right now.
Until next time, travel safe and travel smart.