3 Mins Read
It’s easy to feel bogged down by the depressing stories dominating the news headlines during the coronavirus pandemic. While it is undoubtedly an upsetting time for many of us, it is still important to stay positive that the world will get through this crisis. If you’re struggling to stay optimistic, here are some incredible stories emerging from the pandemic that might just lift your spirits.
1. Concerts from their balconies
Italy, one of the hardest hit countries from the coronavirus pandemic, has been forced into lockdown for weeks. But staying at home hasn’t stopped the Italian spirit with some people deciding to hold concerts and others singing along from their balconies.
2. Global air pollution goes down
Recent satellite imagery has seen a sharp fall in the levels of air pollution all over the world since travel restrictions began and industrial activities have ground to a halt.
3. Supermarkets reserve special times for elderly & vulnerable people
Some major supermarket chains such as Woolworth’s in Australia have taken action on panic buying behaviour that has stopped older people and the vulnerable from getting the supplies they need by reserving special time slots for them.
4. Celebrities host virtual concerts
From John Legend to Chris Martin, some of our favourite singers have decided to grace their fans with virtual concerts over the internet.
5. Penguins free roam the aquarium in Chicago
The Shedd aquarium in Chicago has closed due to the coronavirus, so the staff at the facility decided to let Edward and Annie the penguins to freely roam the grounds.
6. LVMH is producing disinfectant gel instead of perfume
LVMH, the parent group of luxury brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy has decided to divert their resources to produce disinfectant gel instead of perfume. These supplies will be distributed to hospitals and health authorities for free in France.
7. Hotels opened up to NHS medical workers in the UK
Former Manchester United footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs have opened up hotels they own to NHS doctors and nurses in the UK for free if and when they need them.
8. Luxury fashion brands make masks & protective gear for health workers
Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell and Prada are among some of the luxury fashion houses now sewing masks and medical gear for hospital workers.
9. London opens up rooms for street sleepers
People around the world are being advised to stay at home and maintain social distance from others, which is not possible for many people who are homeless. The London mayor Sadiq Khan recently announced that the city has secured around 300 rooms and counting for those forced to sleep on the streets to stay.
10. Mass applause for healthcare workers in Spain
A social media campaign was organised to coordinate a mass applause for medical workers in Spain. People across Pamplona, Madrid and Murcia broke out into standing ovations from their windows and balconies last weekend.
Read our earlier coverage of Covid-19 here.
Lead image courtesy of Unsplash.
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