When you hear about news regarding the coronavirus, everything may seem hopeless and dismal. However, in the face of this pandemic, we need to hold onto all the positive things that are happening, and bring them to light when they are being overshadowed by the panic and worry. Here are some good things that have happened regarding the virus:
103-Year-Old Woman Beats Coronavirus
Despite elderly patients being at a higher risk of death from COVID-19, an unidentified woman in Iran became the oldest person to recover from the virus. After being hospitalized for a week, the woman was discharged after making a complete recovery. Previously, a 91-year-old man in Iran also beat the virus, even while having asthma and high blood pressure (which both increase the risk of complications from the virus).
Irish-Developed Testing Kit Confirms Infection in 15 Minutes
An Irish company called Assay Genie has developed a COVID-19 testing kit, which can determine infection in 15 minutes. The kit uses one drop of blood to detect the virus – if the virus is detected in the blood, it is confirmed by a color change. While it is still in the pilot phase, it is said to be a “clinical weapon” against the virus, and could be released in as little as 7 days to combat the spread of the disease.
Chef José Andrés Turns his Michelin-Starred Restaurants into Community Kitchens
After closing all his restaurants in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Chef José Andrés is instead transforming his restaurants into community kitchens that serve take-out food to anyone who needs it. Participating restaurants include Oyamel, Zaytinya, and three other D.C. area locations. They will offer “affordable plates of the day” for takeout. According to Andrés in a press release, they “want to help provide food for those who want it in a safe manner, so we feel these community kitchens can help during this challenging time. And those who cannot afford to pay we will welcome as well.”
Celebrities Make Donations to Help with the Virus
More and more celebrities are using their fame and fortune to help out during this trying time. Justin Bieber donated money to efforts in China. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donate $1 million to Food Banks America and Feeding America. Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson, have also donated $1 million to a food bank called Food Lifeline, while Justin Timberlake is also donating to food banks in his hometown. Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley own a grocery store in Nashville, and is offering to deliver free groceries to the elderly community, and provide goods to those who are unemployed. Lady Gaga announced that her beauty brand, Haus Laboratories, will be supporting food banks in Los Angeles and New York.
Distilleries are Making Hand Sanitizer and Donating It to Combat the Virus
Hand sanitizer is in-demand right now in order to prevent the spread of the virus. Because of this, many people are panic-buying in order to make sure they have enough hand sanitizer at home. However, this leaves empty shelves and prevents people from buying what they need to protect themselves from the virus. In response, many distilleries in the U.S., England, and Scotland are using the alcohol they produce to make their own hand sanitizer, and are giving it away for free to their local communities.
Stores are Making Accommodations for Senior Customers
Whole Foods Market and Dollar General stores announced that their first hour of operations is reserved for senior customers only, in order to give them the ability to purchase the items they need while avoiding large crowds of people. The owner of Corner Store has given away over $6,000 in free goods to seniors preparing for quarantines. Target, Walmart, Vons, and Albertson’s, all have designated hours every week for elderly shoppers.
