The acts of kindness shining through as coronavirus panic takes hold

Amid all the doom and gloom around coronavirus, it can be hard to keep a positive mindset. But thankfully, out of the chaos has emerged many inspiring stories of people helping others and doing good. Here we share some of our favourites…

Children-only COVID-19 press conference

While much of society frets about the impacts of coronavirus, it can be easy to forget that children can be just as scared as adults about the crisis.

In response, Norway’s prime minister Erna Solberg has held a children-only COVID-19 press conference to allay kids’ fears.

No adult journalists were present during Monday’s press conference, as Solberg and two of her ministers answered questions submitted by kids around Norway about the pandemic.

“It has been special days… Many children think it is scary,” Solberg said.

“It is okay to be scared when so many things happen at the same time.”

When asked if it was okay for kids to have a birthday party, the PM responded: “If somebody has a birthday in the class, everybody should ring them and sing happy birthday!”

Good Karma Network spreads the love

Social media has proved a great way to connect with others during social isolation and it is also allowing people to help society’s most vulnerable through the health crisis.

The Good Karma Network, which has dozens of Facebook groups covering a range of Melbourne suburbs, has seen thousands of posts appear from those offering household supplies and help getting shopping for people in quarantine.

Network founder Amy Churchouse told Crikey that many people used the platform to find safe ways to connect with others throughout these times of social isolation.

“Some people are in need of material support and some just want to talk, but there’s a sense that we’re going to be okay because we are looking out for each other,” Churchouse said.

There have also been a number of other Facebook groups set up solely to help people through the pandemic.

#viralkindness

More than 80 groups have recently formed a national Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK network, offering support for people in self isolation.

This network has started a #viralkindness campaign where postcards are dropped into letterboxes. These cards offer everything from grocery drops for those who can’t do it themselves to a chat over the phone. 

The campaign has also made its way to Australia.

One of the network’s coordinators, Anna Vickerstaff, told The Guardian: “No matter what we look like, where we live, or how much money we have, getting sick reminds us that at our core we’re all just human.

“That’s why we set this network up – because we want to make sure that no one in our communities is being left to face this crisis alone, and because we want to try and redress some of the serious inequalities this outbreak will expose.”

 A free kick for those self-isolating

An Auskick club in Melbourne wants to ensure Aussie Rules’ fans can still practice their skills by putting out a tub of free footballs for those in need.

Above the container was a card that said: “Please take a footy if you don’t have one already. ‘Isolation’ includes your backyard.”

Psychologist Therese Sheedy spotted the gesture and shared it on her Facebook page.

“Our beloved national sport, just like all parts of society, is going to be affected, however if we can keep ourselves active, life will be back to a new normal in no time,” she said.

“My hope is that only those who do need one get to take one (unlike the scenes we have seen with toilet paper!!!)”