As we all stay inside this weekend to limit the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve, many of us will be wishing we could do more to help those around us.
While previously we could offer our services and lend a helping hand, the government has assured us that the best possible thing for us to do right now is to practise physical distancing. It’s incredibly important; not just to protect ourselves, but to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
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The good news is that, although we must keep our distance, there are still small gestures we can make.
So, if you are at home this weekend and wishing you could do more to help out during this unprecedented global crisis, here are six simple ideas.
Walk a neighbour’s dog.
If you have the capacity to, offer to help those who are unable to leave their homes. Whether they have a pet that you’d be happy to walk or you’re able to grab them some groceries when you head to the supermarket, these little things really do go a long way.
Many local communities have Facebook groups set up where you can share a post offering to help, or do it the old-fashioned way: slip a letter in someone’s mailbox.
Top Comments
There's a lot of discussion going on within HCW circles (online and at work) about all the discounts and free food we're being offered by businesses in this time of crisis. Whilst everyone is incredibly grateful for the kindness, many of us feel that we are not the ones who need these discounts the most. We're largely financially secure, whilst there are others out there who are struggling a lot more in that regard. As such, it would be great if there was a way we could "pay forward" these very generous gestures and gift them to others who need it more than us.
Alternatively, if the public wants to help us directly, please start fundraising and pressuring the government for adequate access to PPE (personal protective equipment) for ALL of those HCWs on the front line, including GPs. We have a shortage of this very basic equipment so this represents something we desperately need. We'd really appreciate if the public could help us there. It will help keep us safe while we try to help you. Thanks.