As more deaths and infections continue to rise due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people have stepped up to show acts of kindness to their fellow humans. Communities have come together in caring for each other, especially the health professionals who have been putting their lives at risk to contain the virus. These acts of empathy and affection towards others have revealed the beauty of humanity.
Gym Teacher Visits His Students’ Homes
- Joe Schallmoser, a gym teacher at Avery Coonley School, visited his students and fellow staff members at their homes, dishing lousy dad jokes, giving a heartfelt message, and doing exercises with them. By April 22, 2020, Schallmoser had made 147 stops across 34 towns. The routine was repeated in every homestead he visited, bringing joy to everyone he interacted with.
Ryan Giggs Provides Free Accommodation at his Hotels to NHS workers.
- Medical professionals have been in the front line dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. As of May 10, 2020, the virus had claimed over 278, 892 lives globally and 31, 855 in the United Kingdom. Medical professionals have been working long shifts, and others have to make long commutes. As a result of these challenges, Gary Neville, a former Manchester United player, offered his two hotels to National Health Service workers and medical professionals. The two hotels, Hotel Football, and the Stock exchange are owned by Gary Neville and his former teammate, Ryan Giggs.
- The Manchester-based hotels will be offering their 176 beds for free to health workers who, due to Covid-19, may be separated from their families. “The health workers will be able to stay there without any cost whatsoever in these next few months when they need isolation away from family members who may be affected by what’s going on,” Neville said in a video posted on Twitter on March 18. Neville announced that the hotel would be closed over the weekend to all medical professions to check in on Friday. This generous act was to help the medical professionals and also ensure that the workers in the two hotels kept their jobs as numerous people continue losing their jobs as the Covid-19 pandemic ravages the world.
Spaniards applaud their health workers and other essential workers.
- Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced the country’s lockdown measures at around 10 pm on March 14. Shortly after, people across the country gave a round of applause for the health workers. People reached out of their window, and others came out on to their balconies to express a spontaneous act of gratitude to the health workers with gleeful shouts of “Viva Los Medicos” (Long Live Doctors!).
- After the night of March 14, the show of appreciation continued and included other essential workers such as security guards, medical staff, and cleaners. Thousands of Spaniards erupt in cheers and shout ‘viva los medico’ every day at around 8 pm. Medical personnel often receive and reciprocate the affection extended by their fellow countrymen by going out briefly to respond to the applause and also by sharing videos of their gratitude on social media.
Italians create harmonies from their balconies.
- As Italy went on lockdown shutting down all daily life, Italians resorted to singing to lift their spirits and show togetherness. Residents across Italy sang from their homes to boost morale as the weight of the pandemic hang over the country. Residents of Salerno sang the national anthem; those from Naples sang Andrea Sannino’s song Abbracciami while residents in Sienna belted out Canto Della Verbena-And While Siena Sleeps, a popular patriotic folk song. As stringent restrictions led people to become prone to loneliness, the improvised concerts provided Italians with a sense of connection amidst the pandemic.
Italian children share notes of hope in their neighborhoods.
- Italy’s lockdown resulted in millions of children being stuck at home as schooled closed. Many children started leaving handwritten notes in their neighborhood with the Italian’s equivalent of the Cantonese phrase “jiāyóu.” The initiative said to have been started on Facebook by a few mothers in Bari, went viral after being picked up by others across the nation. According to a 52-year-old tour guide from Venice, seeing the notes with the phrase “Andrà Tutto bene” — “everything will be all right” gives him hope. “We may be isolated here, but the message of hope is spreading,” he said.
Indian doctor applauded by neighbors.
- A doctor in India received a thunderous welcome from her neighbors when she returned home from her shift. Like many other health workers across the globe, Dr. Vijayashree, who works at the MS Ramaiah Hospital in Bangalore, had been at the forefront tirelessly fighting Covid 19 while putting her life at risk. To show their appreciation for her selfless contributions in the fight against the pandemic, residents of an apartment in Bangalore came out of their balconies and gave her loud heartwarming applause. The video went viral and has been viewed more than 50, 000 times and also shared by a local TV.
Stores create special shopping hours for the elderly.
- As the elderly have emerged as among the most vulnerable people prone to severe complications from Covid 19, grocery stores across the US have designated special shopping times for them. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended for the elderly to stay at home and avoid contact with others to prevent them from being infected. This thoughtful gesture by grocery stress and other retailers to set aside special shopping hours for the elderly will aid in preventing one of our most vulnerable groups from being infected. Stores such as Stop and Shop, Dollar General, Zanoto’s Family Markets, and Vista Supermarkets have announced special shopping hours for seniors.