10 ways to share during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sharing probably isn’t the first idea that comes to mind during the COVID-19 pandemic as it implies physical contact. However, there are many ways to share that don’t require physical contact. Last week, I explored why we need to share now more than ever (TL;DR version — leaders failed, we’ve got to fill the gap). Thankfully, there’s a growing wave of resource sharing, mutual aid, and volunteering sweeping the world. Here are 10 ways you can join this wave:

1. Safety first.

Follow the shelter in place, physical distancing, handwashing, and other safety measures that reputable health authorities recommend. Encourage everyone around you to do the same. Following these with discipline may be the single most important act of solidarity you can undertake. This is a shared responsibility. You’ll protect yourself and many, many others. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.

2. Check in with your family, friends, neighbors, and the most vulnerable in your community.

Provide comfort, health guidelines, and whatever aid is needed to those closest to you. Stay in it with them. Depending on your situation, you might have your hands full with just this. If everybody does this, then everyone has access to at least a basic level of care and emotional support.

3. Support front line medical workers and the institutions they serve.

They’re the dam keeping back the floodwaters of infection. We can’t afford for this dam to break. Check in with your local hospitals to see what they need. People and organizations are already donating protective medical gear, medical equipment, meals, and more. You can even volunteer remotely or join an open source team designing medical gear. Start here to see where to jump in.

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