Although social distancing is being highly encouraged to help contain the spread and impact of COVID-19 within our community, we remind everyone to consider the effect that this may be having on those most affected by social isolation. It’s in times like these that we need to step up and help one another. Here are a few items to consider:
- Many of you may have seen the impromptu balcony concerts from Italy or the national round of applause for health care workers in Spain; could we not do something similar in our own neighborhoods to help bring cheer and distraction from worry?
- Create WhatsApp groups with neighbours, family or friends. Share how you’re getting on and ask other people how they are.
- You may have neighbours, such as the elderly, that rely heavily on community services to meet their daily needs. Reach out to see how you can help.
- We encourage people to call neighbors, colleagues and friends that may not have the same immediate access to information due to technology and language barriers; they may need help getting factual information or understanding the implications for their families.
- Food banks could face additional pressures due to an influx of workers struggling to get by on fewer hours than usual. Consider starting with your wallet instead of your pantry; donating money gives food banks flexibility to obtain whichever items they need the most.
