Fight against Coronavirus: We all can contribute

As I watch/read the news, social media posts, and the number of infected people, one thing which comes to mind is, can I contribute to all this? The answer is Yes. And you don’t need to be outside to add to it. Any help in any capacity is going to make a big difference. This post is my small contribution to the cause, and it’s focused on spreading awareness, staying healthy and mentally fit and, ways of helping out.

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty in breathing. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. The new Coronavirus can infect people of all ages. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus. [source]

How Coronavirus spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s important to understand that a person not showing symptoms can still spread the virus as it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show up from the point of exposure. [source]

Is there any vaccine or medicine for Coronavirus

Since the disease is new, there is no vaccine available at this point. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and, therefore, treatment is based on the patient’s clinical condition. There are many rumors of vaccines or some treatment being available for the Cornovirus, and we must ignore/report those. If you’re not sure, it’s better to break the chain by not sharing it further. [source]

How can I contribute

(1) Protect Yourself

“Charity begins at home,” and hence it’s vital to protect yourself and family first. WHO recommends the following [source].

• Wash hands regularly with alcohol-based hand-rub or with soap and water. It will kill the virus on your hand.
• Maintain social distancing by keeping at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and others. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets from an infected person.
• Avoid touching nose or mouth as you can pick viruses from surfaces in your hand.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. It prevents the spread of the virus through droplets.
• Seek medical advice early if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing. Stay home if you feel unwell to break the chain of virus spread.

(2) Don’t Panic

We mustn’t panic in this situation. Panic leads to adverse effects on your physical as well as mental health. If you’re panicking, talk to your elders or someone you trust. Consult them and share your worries openly. I’ve observed the following effects of panic, which we all can easily avoid.

• Overbuying essential items: People are overbuying essentials items such as groceries, sanitizers, masks, etc. All governments across the globe are focused on making life essential items available for all, and we’ll never have a shortage of these items. But if we overbuy, it will lead to the increased price of essential items (making the life of poor people miserable). It will leave individual families without these life essentials items. The supply of any item is limited in a particular time window. It’s recommended to purchase everything as you would usually.
• Reduced physical activity: It’s essential to maintain social distance, but this doesn’t mean you need to stay home all the time. If permitted by local government, it’s recommended to go out for a walk or exercise maintaining social distance. Even when you’re home, open windows, exercise, and walk regularly inside.
• Trusting everything on social media: the internet is a boon and key tool for the fight against Coronavirus, but unfortunately, people knowingly or unknowingly spread rumors on the internet. I’m not saying everything on the internet is a rumor, but use your judgment before trusting any information. I recommend not to forward any information if you’re not sure whether it’s true or not. Check the WHO website for the latest info, and myths.
• Following government advice: I’ve seen people ignoring recommendations/guidance from the government. We must follow all the latest instructions from the government; they are at the forefront of the situation and working with concerned subject matter experts. Following their guidelines will help us overcome this situation quickly.

(3) Spread Awareness

During this time, spreading awareness will help us overcome Coronavirus quickly. If you see people spreading rumors, stop them. If you see people panicking, talk to them. If you see people overbuying, ask them to stop it. Spreading awareness in any capacity will have a significant impact.

(4) Help Governments

Many governments, especially in developing countries, are relying on Media to report issues of people without internet/social media access. If you see such people, use social media platforms to tag governments and asking for help on people’s behalf.

(5) Help small businesses

Small businesses are struggling due to a lack of customers, and as a result, they have forced to layoff their employees. You can help them by buying gift cards in advance for their business, especially restaurants, order food or grocery for distributing it among people in need. This way, you can continue the supply/demand chain affecting multiple individuals and families.

(6) Home initiatives

Many people are struggling for food during this time due to layoffs and economic slow-down. You can distribute home-cooked food packets or consider organizing food trucks. You can also contribute by making people around you aware more about dos and don’ts. Some home initiatives are also appreciated like distributing sanitizers to workers around you. Help daily wage worker class in any capacity you can. Provide frontline supporters with some refreshments or food. Anything that you do to fight pandemic matters. I’ll repeat here to be safe while doing so; social distancing has to be followed to prevent the spread of the virus.

(7) Donations

Any donation in any amount will make a significant difference. To ensure your donation is going to the right place, you can

• Follow government guidelines on media/social media platforms for donations at the right level and the right place.
• If you’re aware of any non-profit organizations working towards Coronavirus cause, share it with your family, having a trusted source will help your family in donating with confidence.
• Offer food/money to the people in need near you, but ensure your safety first.

(8) Stay in touch with your friends and family

Many people live away from families or live alone. In this time of practicing “Stay-at-home,” some individuals feel depressed or alone. Make sure that you’re talking with them over video/voice call regularly. In this time of digitalization, there are many online gaming/socializing platforms, make sure you’re leveraging them.

(9) Capitalizing your profession or area of expertise

Each individual has been gifted with some or the other talent, or they’re in certain professions. It’s important to realize that everyone can contribute in some or the other way. For example, if you’re in software engineering, you can help small businesses in establishing online delivery. If you’re in fitness, you can share a workout or exercise plan at home. If you’re a motivator, you can help people through this tough time.

Thanking Individuals, Organizations, and Governments

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone from doctors, governments to individuals following social distancing, and home quarantine. All of us need to appreciate everyone’s effort by following guidelines established by local governments and health organizations.

Resources/Important Information

In general, youtube and the internet are full of the information you need. Below are some of the recommendations which I liked. I’ll try to update this list as I come across more resources.

Latest Coronavirus Info

• WHO: Official World Health Organization (WHO) website.
• Worldometer: Live number of infected people stats.
• Bing Covid: Live stats and information. Filters for updates by region. [Suggested by Arpit Sheth]
• Myth Buster: From WHO.

Awareness

• FitTuber: Fitness enthusiast YouTuber.
• TashviAyurveda: Ayurveda in COVID-19 times

Health

• Fitness Blender: Home workout/workout website.

Essential Item Delivery

• Sowhardh Honnappa developed an online delivery platform for local grocery stores. [Suggested by Urvish Shah]

Education

• Khan Academy: Education is essential for everyone, especially kids, we should leverage online education platform for the kids. [Suggested by Arpit Sheth]

Small Business Support

• HundredForHospitality: Austin based initiative to support restaurants. [Suggested by Arpit Sheth]
• RallyForRestaurants: Initiative to support local restaurants. [Suggested by Urvish Shah]

Other things that can help here are Yoga, Meditation, Books, and virtual socializing via Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

Let me know if I can help

I’m a Software Engineer by profession. If you think I can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll be more than happy to help in any capacity. Email: adityasolge@gmail.com