The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over every aspect of our lives for the past three months. In addition, recent civil unrest has ignited across the country and world in response to the senseless murders of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in her Louisville apartment. Conversations are happening across the country about systemic racial inequality and police brutality. Marches and protests have been organized and are ongoing in cities all over the world.
It’s challenging to know how to navigate these circumstances and to know what actions are helpful and appropriate. As many of us are working and learning remotely to abide by social distancing protocols, we’re being inundated with updates on these ever-evolving situations.
Two truths coexist at once: (1) COVID-19 and protest news is important and serves to inform the public about the latest developments in two rapidly escalating global news stories and (2) with all the noise, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. I’m sure many of us can agree there have been days when it was difficult to remain positive and hopeful for the future.
In an effort to help lift people’s spirits, I’ve compiled eight news stories that came out during COVID-19 and the recent protests that I think everyone should hear.
No. 1: A Smiling Face
One San Diego doctor shared a photo in his PPE (personal, protective equipment) with the caption, “Yesterday I felt bad for my patients in ER when I would come in the room with my face covered in PPE. A reassuring smile makes a big difference to a scared patient. So today I made a giant laminated badge for my PPE. So my patients can see a reassuring and comforting smile.”
No. 2: Plywood Becomes Canvas
Plywood has been placed over storefronts and windows in major cities across the country to protect against looting and destruction. Now, those pieces of plywood are turning into works of art. In Oakland, they are telling stories about victims of racial violence with calls to action.
No. 3: Global Citizen’s Together at Home Concert Series
As a music lover, this was one of my favorites. One World: Together At Home is a historic, cross-platform global special that celebrates and supports healthcare workers and others on the frontlines, and the World Health Organization (WHO) as they lead the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert series leverages social media to bring musical performances into homes around the world by some of the world’s most notable artists.
No 4: Volunteers Provide Aid to Protesters
Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood has become home base for Seattle’s ongoing protests. While the area has seen much contention, it has also experienced an influx of volunteers providing aid to protesters. Volunteers are providing water, bathrooms, food, phone charging stations, first aid, and are even helping protesters register to vote.
No. 5: Special Shopping Hours for Seniors & Those at Risk
Though simple, it warms my heart to see local grocery stores carve out time daily for seniors, people with disabilities and those with compromised immune systems to shop for groceries. I think it’s important that we take care of our most vulnerable community members and this is a simple and critical way to do so.
No. 6: Animals Get Adopted
Many people are finding that stay-at-home orders have created the perfect circumstances for them to adopt or foster animals. Because of this, animal shelters across the country are empty or near empty as pets find new homes.
No. 7: More Than 1 Million People Have Recovered From COVID-19 Worldwide
The death toll is typically the data we focus on. While it’s important, it’s also important to keep track of how many people have recovered.
No. 8: Food Donations in Eastern Washington
A potato giveaway took place at the beginning of May, where more than 100,000 pounds of potatoes were given to the public. The potatoes were on their way to become fries, tater tots, wedges and other processed food until the shutdown closed restaurants. In Tacoma, 200,000 pounds of potatoes were given away at the Tacoma Dome.
What are some of your favorite silver lining stories?