BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 16: People keep their distance as they wait their turn in a queue to access a Lidl supermarket at the Sant Antoni green market on March 16, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. Supermarkets have applied stronger social distancing rules to access to their shops on the first labour day of the state of emergency. As part of the measures against the virus expansion the Government has declared a 15-day state of emergency. The Government of Spain has strengthened up its quarantine rules, shutting all commercial activities except for pharmacies, food shops, gas stations, tobacco stores and news kiosks in a bid to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, as well as transport. Spaniards must stay home except to go to work but working from home is recommended, going to buy basic things such as food or pharmacy products is allowed but it must be done individually. The number of people confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Spain has increased to at least 8,744, with the latest death toll reaching 297, according to the country’s Health Ministry (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The coronavirus outbreak means that more people are staying home and practicing social distancing guidelines. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t help your community during this difficult time. Jezebel suggests the following ways of helping out even when you can’t get physically close to people.
- Donate to food banks. People who rely on food from food banks might be in greater need at this time.
- Check in with neighbors. Slip a note under their door or call them to see if you can help.
- Start or join a mutual aid group. By sharing resources and information, you can help others and get help yourself.
- Donate to those who have lost jobs. Closings have already started to affect people’s incomes.
- Support small businesses. Remember to support their workers as well; you might tip better than usual, for instance.
- Donate blood. People are less inclined to donate now so if you can, it’ll go a long way.
- Write to your local politicians. Encourage them to work hard during this crisis.