The corona virus has put us all in an exceptional situation and presents us with extraordinary challenges. However, each and every one of us can make a positive contribution so that we can weather the crisis together as best we can. To name just eight specific examples …
8 ideas how you can help now
1. Doing shopping and running errands for those most at risk in your area
If you are in your environment, d. H. your neighborhood or your acquaintances, people who belong to the so-called risk group (e.g. people over 55 years and with previous illnesses – you can find out more in our article about the most important questions and answers about the coronavirus), offer them shopping for them to go to the pharmacy, to walk the dog, etc. Of course, healthy people also have to be careful to minimize the risk of getting infected so as not to transmit the virus. But those for whom contagion is life-threatening now need special protection.
2. Buy vouchers in restaurants and shops near you
For numerous restaurants and small shops, the loss of sales caused by the virus is a threat to their livelihood. You can now help them by buying vouchers and thus flushing money for services and goods into the coffers that you get after the crisis. Be it your hairdresser, the small second-hand shop where you will always be advised so nicely, or your favorite restaurant that has now had to close – if you want them to survive this crisis, you can inquire with them about buying them Vouchers helped a little. Provided you can currently afford it yourself.
3. Keep calm and stay friendly
If the toilet paper in the supermarket is out or something else is missing, take it easy and above all do not blame the staff. The current situation demands a lot from us all. It is therefore all the more important that we treat each other in a friendly and understanding manner and that we do not make life difficult for one another.
4. Don't hamster
You only have supplies for a few days at home? That's exactly how it should be! Hamster purchases create panic, infect others and cause people who really need toilet paper again to get none. Shopping as always is a good thing at the moment – when has it ever been so easy to do something good?
5. Avoid repayments
Concerts, theater performances, celebrations – in order to slow the spread of the virus, we have to do without all of this. In many cases, we as customers are entitled to get back the money we have already paid for canceled events. Great for us, of course, but a big loss for those who had offered the services (artists, caterers, event agencies …). In this respect, you can consider doing without repayments if your budget allows. Of course we are not talking about hundreds of euros for vacation trips or similar. But if you paid 20 euros for a club concert or 30 euros for a theater ticket – maybe you can save them elsewhere …?
6. Call friends and family
We can no longer meet, but that does not mean that we can no longer be there for each other. Try to keep in touch with your friends and family so that they don't get lonely – and neither do you.
7. Stream movies
You can support your local cinema by streaming films via "Kino on demand". If you stream five films, you will even get a cinema voucher for later when the air is clear.
8. Stay at home, keep your distance and follow the expert recommendations!
Every contact with people increases the risk of getting infected, spreading the virus and making things worse. Anyone who prevents all unnecessary contacts, stays away from people when necessary errands, avoids cash and generally adheres to the recommendations of experts and politicians is making a positive contribution to this crisis.