The Coronavirus crisis has had a profound impact on practically every aspect of our lives and society, and especially threatens those most vulnerable – physically, mentally, and financially.
There are things we can do right now to protect loved ones and help others in need.
Here are a few ways to make a big impact.
Stop the spread “cheat sheet”
Freaking out or not, follow this advice to help save lives.
Illustrator Wendy MacNaughton and Eliah Aronoff-Spencer, an infectious disease doctor and researcher at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, made this chart to help people make decisions about what to do during the coronavirus pandemic.
Help others
Reach out to older adults or people with chronic health conditions and offer to help. Reduce their risk of exposure by helping them pick up groceries, medications and other essential supplies.
Check in frequently but practice social distancing by keeping at least six feet away when you deliver essential items. Wear a mask and be extra diligent about hand-washing and wiping down items you touched in their home.
Show kindness to people who may not have a support system or are isolated.
Give blood
Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant.
As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthy individuals can still donate in areas that have issued shelter in place declarations.
The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need.
“You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”
U.S. Surgeon General
More information from the Red Cross
Protecting health workers and bolstering ICU capabilities
Direct Relief is a top-rated non-profit organization coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the U.S. and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Donate what you can to Direct Relief or charities of your choice to help save lives and support the long process of recovery from the crisis.
