How To Help Others In The Age Of Coronavirus, In Addition To Staying Home

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, and we all adjust to a new way of life — complete with social distancing, constant hand-washing, and long days during which we never leave our home — it’s become easy to feel helpless and unsure of how exactly to be useful. But even amid all the uncertainty and malaise, if you’re in a position where you can help, there are a few concrete ways to do so.

Rule #1: Stop trying to find social distancing loopholes. (No, you can't go visit "just one friend.") Finding ways to stay busy at home will immensely help others in this time of crisis. You could be affected even if you're young and healthy, and “flattening the curve” — i.e. staying at home unless it's essential — is going to save lives. It's as simple as that. Ahead, we’ve compiled some other things you can do to help decrease the impact of coronavirus for those who are affected, both directly and indirectly.

There are many volunteer opportunities available even while practicing social distancing — like working for a crisis hotline, tutoring, or making donations.

Groups like Invisible Hands deliver groceries to those who feel unsafe or are unable to go to the store, such as older and immunocompromised people. Make sure you are not in a high-risk group and take proper safety precautions.

People who are older, work in hospitals, or have chronic illnesses are more susceptible to the coronavirus outbreak. Check on your family, neighbors, and community members to see if they need anything by calling or texting; if possible, you can drop off food or supplies in front of somebody’s door or in their mailbox.

Fewer people are leaving their houses, which means lost wages for restaurant workers, hairdressers, exercise instructors, baby-sitters, dog walkers, cleaners, and many others. Consider pooling together funds for those people whose services you normally can't live without. On a smaller scale, check in with your friends — particularly those who are freelancers, contract, or service-workers — who might be affected and see if there's anything you can do to help.

There have been over 123,000 cases of coronavirus in New York City alone, and over 11,000 people have died. It is very much the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, and there are many local organizations on the frontlines of delivering food to the vulnerable, providing healthcare workers with protective equipment, and more. We’ve listed organizations in both New York City and New York state that you can support to help those who have been most affected by this virus.

You should absolutely not be hanging out at bars, restaurants, and coffee shops right now for the sake of public safety. But those businesses will suffer, and there are ways you can help: For example, buy a gift card from your favorite neighborhood restaurant so they have more revenue now for the weeks and months to come. You can also donate to organizations like the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, which is providing loans to businesses and financial relief to workers, as well as One Fair Wage, which has set up a fund for tipped workers.

Hospitals are facing a dire shortage of personal protective equipment, including N95 masks. Mask Match and PPE Link can help connect donations with medical professionals.

It's a good time for giving in general, if you're able. Donate to your local food bank or donate supplies to a homeless shelter. NYC United Against Coronavirus, for example, has listed resources and information. Or, check this list of charities that are battling the outbreak around the world. Vox has also put together a list of organizations, based on the issues you care about most.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross said that as the number of coronavirus cases increases, the number of those eligible to give blood decreases, so there is a demand for donations right now. Hundreds of blood drives have already been canceled. “Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion — that someone may be a cancer patient, a car accident victim or a mother who has given birth," Jodi Sheedy, senior director of biomedical services communications for the American Red Cross, told The Hill. The Red Cross says there is no evidence that the coronavirus can be transmitted by a blood transfusion. 

When Congress comes back into session on April 20, legislators will start drafting the fourth coronavirus relief bill. You can call your senators and representatives to ask them to make sure the latest round prioritizes people over corporations.

The election is still happening. Both Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have put out comprehensive plans to combat coronavirus that contrast sharply with Trump's lack of understanding and empathy. You can also donate to one of the key races nationwide where Democrats could flip the Senate. And register to vote, if you haven't yet!

With the rise of coronavirus, there has been an increase in racist attacks against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Help shut these down by calling them out when you see them. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) posted this message on its “Share Facts Not Fear” website: "People of Asian descent, including Chinese-Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19."

There have been plenty of rumors and misinformation swirling around about coronavirus, such as that certain home remedies can protect you. Don't share screenshots from unverified sources, and only trust credible news and research outlets.

More animal shelters are closing, which can mean that there are more animals than the staff can handle. Fostering means housing an adoptable pet while they're awaiting a more permanent home (maybe yours), and it helps prevent overcrowding. “Having a pet around ... is good for your head,” Eric Rayvid, a spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare nonprofit, told HuffPost. “It’s going to take you out of yourself a little bit. If you get a dog, it’s going force you to go outside. If you get a cat, it’s going to force you to spend some time cuddling.” Go to The Humane Society's website for resources and ideas on how to take care of pets at this time of crisis.