29 Mar 14 Ways We’ve Come Together as a Community During the Chaos of COVID-19 Social Distancing

Disclaimer: This article is intended to focus on the positive ways in which people have demonstrated collective behaviours which benefit themselves and their communities. We recognize that not everyone had the privilege to experience some of what is included here. We also acknowledge that for many, this is a time of constant struggle, stress, and grief. Our intention is not to undermine these challenges, but to highlight some important positives that we have bore witness to as a community. 

Much of the news media focus has been on the dangers of the virus and its negative impact which can be overwhelming and cause severe stress or anxiety. We wanted to create a list of some more empowering truths about the way we’ve responded as a community to get through difficult times together. 

When we work together, we will get through this together. We will get through this Chaos of COVID-19 Social Distancing

1. We’ve been working hard

We won’t do this list justice if we didn’t start by showing our gratitude to the countless number of brave people working hard to continue providing essential services during this time. Many nurses, grocery store workers, truck drivers, doctors, paramedics, farmers, mental health workers,  journalists, social workers, scientists, researchers, janitors, garbage pickup workers, sanitation workers, airline staff, government staff, caregivers, pharmacists, and delivery employees are working overtime to protect and serve their communities. If it wasn’t for them, it would be much harder for everyone else.  

2. We’ve been staying home

In order to protect our brave workers, there is only one thing the rest of us can do. That is to stay home. Social distancing is our best chance in helping keep people safe and planking the curve (slowing the spread of COVID-19 from person to person by reducing contact with others). Many have the privilege of staying home, with a stocked fridge, and pay. If that’s the case for you, there’s no reason to ignore the advice of health care professionals and stay home to protect yourself and others.

Here are some more reasons to stay home.

3. We’ve been slowing down

If you can stay home, this is your chance to finally slow down. Life can be fairly fast-paced and sometimes means we rarely get a chance to pause, breathe and reflect. Now, we can finally rest, take naps, meditate, pray, dance and tune in to our needs to focus on our mental, physical, and emotional health. 

Read that book you’ve been looking forward to, learn a new skill, get started on those exercises that you have been making excuses for. Taking time to focus on the things that make you feel good will keep the negative feelings at bay. 

4. We’ve been connecting with families and friends

Even with social media, it can be difficult to make time to connect with our loved ones. Families are sharing meals together, siblings are spending quality time with each other and old friends are reuniting. Have you connected with anyone you’ve been missing?  If not, pick up your phone and reach out to those who you may have lost on the way. Checking in with each other is more important than ever and time zones have never mattered less. 

5. We’ve been offering our skills

Some people have done more than stay home to support others.. People from all over the world are offering their skills.

This Chartered Professional Accountant is offering to walk people through their tax refund process.  Others have offered free live classes such as Salsa, Yoga, Painting, Meditation or are offering services like community check-ins on Facebook groups and via Instagram live. 

If you are not working in one of the fields we mentioned above (or even if you are), is there something you could offer? Consider what knowledge, skills, and experiences you have that you could share with others through social media, free classes, or something else!

6. We’ve been taking care of our most vulnerable

Kind-hearted people all over the world are stepping up to care for vulnerable peoples. Willing and capable people have been getting groceries for seniors, making meal packages, cooking and delivering food and more If you are looking to help others or in need of some support, you can connect to local groups such as these Covid-19 Community Care Ottawa and CareMongering-Ott: Ottawa Community Response to COVID19.

7. We’ve been buying local

Yes, we can’t go out, but that doesn’t mean we stop supporting our local businesses. Many people have started to purchase gift cards or products or services available online to support their favourite businesses who are struggling to support themselves and their families. If local stores are open in your city, this is the time to show your support for them. If you are not sure how to, then contact your favourite places and ask them yourself. They would be delighted to hear from you. 

8. We’ve been inventing

Inventors and bright minds like the university students at the Makerspace have come together to build 3D printed face shields and are currently working on a ventilator prototype to increase supply to meet the growing need of the healthcare system. 

9. We’ve been practicing solidarity

Organizations and businesses are also doing their part. Some such as the Founders Fund have opened up their membership for free to help local businesses. Others such as Brit.co are offering free courses to everyone for a whole month. The Ottawa Community Foundation has started a rapid response fund to help the vulnerable. In Ottawa, The Waverley Restaurant has turned into a food distribution depot to package food boxes for those who need it. Pure Kitchen is offering a pay it forward add-on option to their food delivery service. Do you know of any other organizations doing great work?

10. We’ve been experiencing 

Organizations are coming up with brilliant ways to create new and unique experiences that you can enjoy from home during physical distancing.  Museums all over the world have opened their doors virtually to offer people the chance to view the art collections online. If you have always wanted to travel and visit a museum, now is your chance. Find a full list of museums here.

11. We’ve been polluting less

This is one of the less intentional acts we’ve recognized and want to highlight. Staying home is helping our planet to heal. The waterways in Venice are crystal clear and pollution levels in many areas are reported to have dropped. Metropolis cities like Mumbai are starting to benefit through cleaner beaches and waters. The earth is starting to heal, just as we do. 

12. We’ve been donating

People from around the world are donating to help fund health care supplies and support charities around the country. You can donate to some of the different organizations, and businesses we’ve listed above if you are able. Everyone could use a little extra support right now especially the charities working to reverse the effects of the virus. 

13. We’ve been fostering community

Communities across the country are finding creative ways to keep in touch with their neighbours. Some people are participating in Neighbourhood Windows Walks – the idea is to draw an image and paste it on the window of your house. Later go for a walk and observe what your neighbours have created. 

14. We’ve been grateful

We are grateful for shelter, access to food and clean drinking water, to the service providers who are still working to protect us and serve our community in its time of need. We are grateful for our connections, our earth and you! Even though not all of these might apply to you, you can be grateful for what does and the ways in which you’re able to connect with and support your community until we return to each other physically as well as emotionally. 

Also, let’s be honest, whether we like it or not, this situation is helping us appreciate the little things in life that we often tend to take for granted. Like the sun on our skin, leisurely walks with our friends, quick trips to the grocery store, and our teachers. What are you grateful for?