Musicians are holding impromptu performances for their neighbors to uplift their spirits—outdoors and 6-feet apart, of course—while famous musicians are posting performances from their living rooms online. Photo by NDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.
In a 2013 TV interview, Fred Rogers, the creator and host of the iconic preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, shared that when he was a boy and a tragic event occurred, his mother would say, “Look for the helpers.” It’s important to do so, he said, “because if you look for the helpers, you’ll know that there’s hope.”
As people the world over “shelter in place” to slow the spread of COVID-19, here are six ways ordinary people around the world are coming together.
Communities are watching out for people ages 65 and older, who are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19. Grocery stores are carving out special shopping hours for seniors, and neighbors are going on grocery runs for them. Photo by ETHAN MILLER / GETTY IMAGES.Face masks and other protective gear are being manufactured and donated
to hospitals, while doctors, nurses and all medical professionals are getting
acknowledgment for their critical role in this fight. Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH / GETTY IMAGES.Universities and businesses are off ering their content for free, for everything from yoga and college classes, to children’s activities and audiobooks, as an incentive to stay indoors and fl atten the curve. Photo by JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES.Social media is alight with funny memes, tweets and videos because we’re all in this together.PETER KOVALEV / GETTY IMAGESChildren around the world are placing
handmade drawings of rainbows on their windows to encourage one another during social distancing. The trend, which began in Europe with families posting signs and paintings
across hard-hit Italy, has become a universal symbol of hope. Photo by ANTHONY DEVLIN / GETTY IMAGES.