What a crazy time we are living in right now! The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone in some way - Some are working from home or not able to work at all, doing school work online, going grocery shopping only to find empty shelves and limited stock of the items they need and unable to get medication and go about their daily lives. So many industries are suffering due to events being cancelled. Artists, performers, producers, managers and people in the music and entertainment industry are suffering due to cancelled or postponed concerts and the beauty and tourism industries are losing business. Whatever the situation, this has changed all of our lives.
The global health crisis has brought out the worst in people. When we watch the news and go on social media everyday, we see videos of people arguing and even physically fighting in supermarkets over basic times like toilet paper and photos of the elderly facing empty shelves, struggling to find the essentials. Those photos are heartbreaking and the fighting and rude behavior of people in the shops is ridiculous! I don't understand how people think having heaps of toilet paper is going to help. We can actually survive without it. Now, people are hoarding other items such as rice, pasta, milk, medications and pads and it's gotten to the point where shelves are completely empty. These people need to understand that not everyone can afford to go shopping regularly or physically get to the shops. I have seen videos of people showing their stashes of items in their homes. In one video, a man is walking around his house and showing every room filled up with food, fruit, toilet and laundry items, and everything he has bought. The house is so stocked up it actually looks like a supermarket. I don't think it is right to hoard and then show it off like that. It just angers people and adds to the negativity occurring.
I know everyone is trying to be prepared in case we have to go into lockdown but we don't really need to panic buy like this. Warehouses have a lot of items available to be delivered to the supermarkets. There is plenty to go around, we all just need to be patient and considerate of each other when shopping.
Photo Credit: 9Now
This photo of an old man looking at empty shelves bread was seen on the news on Channel Nine.
It is so sad that so many old and disabled people and others are facing this everyday/
Photo credit: 9Now
One aisle of a Coles Distribution Centre.
This was shown on the news to show panic buyers that there is plenty and calm them down.
The pandemic has also brought people together and shown how supportive and loving people are and can be. Everyone is doing whatever they can to stay positive, be kind and lift their spirits. Here are some examples:
A couple from the North Coast of NSW are waiting for a friend to get her COVID-19 test result and are not taking any chances after potential contact. Their elderly neighbour cooked some food and left a tray covered with foil on the mailbox for them.
Emma was lucky to get a 12-pack of toilet paper but left half the pack on her neighbours doorstep. As he was ill, on crutches, had no family or friends and couldn't go to the shops, he was very appreciative.
Tamara went to pick up her two-year-old daughter from school and complained to the teachers about going to five grocery stores and not being able to find pasta anywhere, which is the only thing the child will eat. The next day, the teachers gave her a bag full of pasta, saying it was a present from them.
Jacquelyn Penizotto, who lives in New York, was doing her weekly shopping and took the last two cartons of eggs. Two cartons are always on her list but when she saw a woman waiting behind her. she gave her one of the cartons and when she went to pay for her things the cashier told her that a woman in the next line, the one who Penizotto gave the eggs to, had already paid for her groceries. She rushed out to thank the woman but couldn't find her. Penizotto's kindness was rewarded and the other woman had paid it forward which was so sweet!
A fitness instructor in Spain lead a gym class for quarantined people in an apartment block to join from their balconies. Theyare not letting the virus stop them from exercising, just like many people here in Australia.
There are many more stories of kindness, good deeds and positivity. These are the stories I would love to see more of on the news. The way people support each other in times of crisis is beautiful. Nobody knows when but the coronavirus will go away but everything will go back to normal. Until then, we all must try t stay positive, make the best of the situation and do what we can to survive. This is the time when everyone needs to come together, support and be kind to each other.
Photo Credit; The Reporter Online
Now, I want to take a minute to pray for:
The people who still have to go into an office or place to work.
The doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers who are working tirelessly to heal the people who are sick with the coronavirus and other illnesses and working on finding a cure.
The teachers and staff at schools taking care of children.
The children who still have to go to school. I hope they are still able to concentrate, learn, and study while all this is happening. If the schools won't shut down, hopefully they have health and safety practices in place.
Supermarket and retail workers who are trying their best to keep their shelves stocked up and meet the needs of the customers.
People who run small businesses, beauticians, entertainers and athletes who are working on their craft and training in their sports.
All children, no matter what age. Please let them have time outside, play and have fun and keep them safe and healthy.
Old people. Heal the sick, keep them safe, help them find what they are looking for in the shops and somehow keep them as mobile and active as possible.
Everyone. Help everyone stay calm, positive and healthy and stop panic buying. Let us live as normally as possible.
I urge all of you to spend more time with your families, check in on your friends, family and loved ones. Choose kindness, always.
Stay safe out there!
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