7 Ways To Help Ease The COVID-19 Pandemic

With the seriousness of the current situation, many are looking for ways they can help. Here are some suggestions.  

1. Donate Unused Personal Protective Equipment

The supply-chain is currently struggling to meet demands for things like N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer; which are all essential in keeping healthcare workers safe. MasksForHeroes.com has more information on how you can help.

 2. Donate Blood 

Many of the American Red Cross’s seasonal blood drives were canceled when lockdowns forced schools and workplaces to close. But there is still a high demand for blood! You can go to their site to find a donation drive near you.

3. Donate Food and Other Essential Items 

An estimated 3.3 million Americans recently filed for unemployment, mostly due to the nationwide closures. It’s also been known for a while that millions of children depend on their schools for regular meals. This, combined with scarcity due to panic buying, can lead to an unsettling number of people going hungry while the pandemic unfolds. If you’ve been lucky enough to fill your pantry, please consider donating non-perishable goods and household items (such as toilet paper) to your local food bank. You can use this site to find one near you.

4. Offer Online Tutoring to Kids Out of School 

Maintaining a sense of normalcy is extremely important for children. This will not only help them stay on track, but will also add support to their guardians. 

5. Support Local Businesses 

In addition to worrying about the healthcare system, many are concerned about the long-term effects on the global economy. You can do your part by ordering goods, services, and gift cards from your local businesses. (Please opt for delivery or curbside pickup, if possible, to minimize contact). 

6. Share Resources With Your Community 

Of course, resources can’t be properly utilized if no one knows about them. So, an important part of advocacy is connecting resources with those who could use them. I’ve found that local Facebook groups and word of mouth are the best ways to reach people. 

7.PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING 

Social distancing, along with proper hygiene practices, is believed to be the best way to prevent exposure to the virus. It is important to limit contamination to avoid pressure on healthcare systems and to limit disease until a vaccine is developed. It is currently estimated that each person with COVID-19 infects approximately 2 additional people; this number needs to get below 1 in order for the virus to be contained.