Communities are forming ‘mutual aid groups’ to help people in need during the coronavirus outbreak
As cases of coronavirus in the UK continue to rise, it is heartwarming to see communities coming together to look out for their most vulnerable members.
From delivering prescriptions and food parcels to walking dogs, there may be things that those in self-isolation can no longer do, and may need a little help with.
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Hide AdMultitude of aid groups being created to help those in need
Around the country, different aid groups are being created to help those that may need it, with the list continuing to grow.
These groups have been formed to offer practical support for those in self-isolation, alongside phone calls.
Volunteers are also organising WhatsApp and Facebook groups, and holding meetings online.
The Facebook groups are being linked nationally by Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK.
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Hide AdAnna Vickerstaff, one of the coordinators, said, “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.
“And in every country it’s the old, the sick and those already struggling who will be affected worse. 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.”
University lecturer, Becky Wass, 32, came up with a postcard designed to help those who are staying away from others, which has the hashtag #viralkindness.
The card has different categories that people might need help with, including posting mail, a friendly phone call and picking up shopping,
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Hide AdThese postcards are now being dropped at doorsteps across the UK, with the idea already spreading as far as Australia.
The blank card template is available to download online so people can print them at home.
The design includes boxes in which neighbours in need can write their name, address, phone number, and details of what volunteers might be able to help with.
These are the symptoms of coronavirus (Photo WHO)
Keeping up to date with official guidance
However, although these mutual aid groups are showing real community spirit and helping those in need, a councillor in London expressed the importance of receiving official guidance about making physical contact with strangers in regards to inadvertently spreading the virus.
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Hide AdA councillor in Lambeth, Ed Davie, tweeted, "Mutual aid groups show real community spirit but please wait for official guidance before making physical contact with strangers.
"We don't want to inadvertently spread virus or enable vulnerable people to be exploited."
To keep up to date on the government’ response to coronavirus, visit: gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
For more information about the signs and symptoms of coronavirus, visit: nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Coronavirus: the facts
What is coronavirus?
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Hide AdCOVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.
What caused coronavirus?
The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.
How is it spread?
As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But.similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.