Showing your colours in times of crisis

It is a scary time for all of us right now. No amount of money, privilege, or perceived wealth of a country can really protect any of us from the Coronavirus spreading around the world. It is at times like these, when something external makes us all equal, that we really get to see the best and worst of one another.

We have seen so many examples of best and worst. We have seen people stockpiling things like toilet paper and hand sanitiser to then sell on for a higher price - a practice called price-gouging that is if not illegal then definitely frowned upon in situations like this. On the other hand, we have people buying a larger than normal amount of these products only to hand them out for free to the most vulnerable, such as our elder citizens and others whose health means they need to stay at home. We have seen fights break out in supermarket aisles, and kind shoppers picking items up for others too scared to go inside. We have witnessed ourselves at our most selfish and our most selfless. There is no way we will come out of this pandemic unchanged.

Italy and Spain seem to be leading the way with keeping spirits up for those quarantined or in self-isolation. We see impromptu orchestras across balconies, opera singers serenading the streets from their own homes, and even community exercise where classes are taught by an instructor in the middle of apartment complexes so everyone can join in. We have seen shops and individuals post kind messages both online and around our streets offering their phone numbers and emails to those in need, whether they need a chat or some help with their shopping. Everything feels like bad news, but moments like these show us so much good.

Another consideration to look at during this difficult time is how technology has played a part. Thanks to the internet, Skype, social media, and other platforms, not only can many of us carry on regardless, but we can stay in touch. We can check on relatives, friends, and neighbours without even leaving our couches. We can laugh, and sing, and dance with other people from around the world, without even leaving our homes. The number of people who are learning, through kind helpers, that they can stay in touch with the rest of the world online is on the increase. So while we all do our bit to stop the Coronavirus spreading, we are still in contact with those we know and love. Perhaps that is the greatest kindness of all.

What the Coronavirus has revealed is that we really are a community. We need to do our part to support that community; whether that is out and about helping our neighbours or staying home so we don't pass the virus on. We are all here, and we are going to get through this; one kind gesture or Skype call at a time!