In light of Coronavirus (COVID-19), falling asleep and waking up to the same endless cycle feels like we’ve all been truly living in a nightmare for the past few days. Most of us are either working from home or studying from home and can no longer tell the difference between a Sunday and a Friday.
But in the midst of these especially confusing times, it is necessary to look for positive. A lot of us have been glued to the television and obsessively checking to see if the number of COVID-19 patients are increasing and if the death toll is rising and while it is important to remain informed, it is also crucial to remember that the world has not exclusively become a ‘dark and gloomy’ story.
True that not every media outlet is reporting the positives, but 925Egypt has stormed the internet and found out that unhappy, desperate times can often bring out the best in people; showing that humanity still exists within the cracks of every society.
The Musical That Came From A Tragedy
DJ Francesco Cellini prepares to play for his neighbours in Italy. Photo by Reuters.
Those who have been following the news are well aware that Italy is quite a tragic scene. And in all this tragedy, they’ve managed to bring music to the cities by singing in their balconies. The idea of being quarantined takes a toll on mental health and this is one way to cope and help others cope as well.
As per an article published by The Guardian, Italians have been singing patriotic songs and the national anthem during lockdown as a way to “lift spirits and pass the time during quarantine.” The music in Italy has reached a point where even concerts are being performed. The Atlantic reported that some have performed for their neighbors such as DJ Francesco Cellini. Several other newspapers have also shared that other places in Europe, such as Spain, have been doing the same.
None of this is to belittle the tragic deaths that plagued Italy or Europe as a whole. According to the most recent World Health Organization situation report released on March 31, Italy has surpassed China and reached over 100,000 cases of COVID-19 with over 11,000 deaths.
But it is important to recognize that as per the World Meters website, over 15,000 have also recovered. Although many have reported that COVID-19 is more deadly when an elderly person gets the virus, there have been several special success stories in Italy too, as two women aged 101 and 95 reportedly made a full recovery despite that numbers have skyrocketed.
Appreciation Of Those On The Battle’s Front-lines
Photo from Egypt Today Magazine
Around the world, people have been thanking doctors and nurses for their effort in combating COVID-19. This is a time in the world where nobody wants to be out in the street, but doctors and nurses continue to do their job in the most dangerous situations.
Ever since the lockdown, and people took to social media to thank doctors and have posted videos clapping as a way to send appreciation. Euronews published that, “since lockdowns were announced in Italy, Spain and France, people have been taking to their windows and balconies to show their support and solidarity with rounds of applause.”
And the same was done in Egypt towards the end of March when several people stood outside their balconies and simply clapped. Perhaps this is a small gesture but in desperate times, spreading positivity is often helpful.
Helping Others Becomes A Priority
Photo by Mai Ahmed from 925Egypt
It is no secret that certain groups of society are more at risk than others, such as the elderly who may be unable to do grocery shopping and the less fortunate who simply have no money to provide their families with proper sanitation. Just a quick scroll down social media will show pictures of people giving out masks for free and young adults saying that if any elderly need help buying grocery products that they would be happy to do it.
These are the simple acts of kindness, but it’s not just that. Bigger initiatives are being made too. Savola Foods, one of the companies of the Saudi Savola Group, is working on three community initiatives to help tackle the crisis and support the health and preventive care provided to those affected by COVID-19. The company supports the ‘Abbassiya Homyat’ hospital for its leading role in treating the virus. In their second initiative ‘Good Challenge’, Savola Foods collaborated with Resala, a charity organization, to supply 4,500 families with food bags in Beni Suef, Giza, Alexandria, Minya and Fayoum.
All while protecting their own employees, Savola Foods wanted to help those who are in the informal economy such as cleaners and street vendors by doing its “protection” initiative in collaboration with CSR Egypt and Al-Kheer Foundation to distribute 1000 bags with gloves, masks, soaps and alcohol to El Beheira, Fayoum, Luxor, Aswan, Qena, South Sinai, Red Sea and New Valley.
925Egypt has previously reported that the Egyptian Food Bank is doing a campaign that will help send 500,000 food boxes to day laborers and they are currently accepting donations so head to @EgyFoodBank for more details or send an SMS to 9595. Moreover, Misr El Kheir is also sending food boxes and medical bags to neediest families.
Other initiatives, such as The Breathe Campaign, are being made to bring ventilators into Egypt to help cure COVID-19 in the situation that this prolongs and the country runs out of necessary equipment.
Mental Health Support System In Action
Photo by Dania Akkawi
For many across different age groups, staying at home for prolonged periods may harm mental health. Those with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are the most at risk. It is understandable that the global priority is fighting COVID-1; however, caring for mental health should not be boxed on a shelf and left aside.
Egypt Today Magazine wrote yesterday that the Ministry of Health has two hotlines ready to provide psychological support for those staying at home. According to the article the hotlines are: 080-8880700 and 0220816831.
“The fear and anxiety caused by the spread of coronavirus are normal, but these feelings should be overcome to avoid any negative psychological effects, especially for the children and elderly,” said ministry spokesperson Khaled Mogahed to Egypt Today.
On social media, many active users have been spreading positivity with one another through positive life quotes, pictures and videos. For instance, mental-health oriented magazines, such as The Daily Crisp, have also been regularly spreading mental health tips on social media.
