As you already know, the coronavirus pandemic is something to take extremely seriously. We’re all deeply anxious about what’s going to happen next, whether or not we’re going to get it, and wondering if our loved ones will be ok.
Restless Magazine has never been a breaking news website. Instead, we strive to be a resource for womxn in what seems to be an increasingly uncertain world. While watching the situation worsen throughout the globe, we have had to think long and hard about how we could be a positive force in the midst of all the noise, fear, and misinformation swirling around the web. What we ultimately have decided on is that, in the coming days, we must be a resource for positivity. We want this to be a safe haven for your mind and wellbeing.
Given that, I thought that it would be helpful to our community to highlight some positive developments surrounding COVID-19. I know that reading the below helped me to breath a little easier at least and I hope it impacts you that way too. Otherwise, for breaking news and a full picture of the situation, make sure that your news sources are reliable. I would recommend The New York Times and following the direction of The World Health Organization. Read on for an injection of positivity in the midst of what I’m sure seems like a chaotic mess of information.
- The virus hit us only four months ago, yet we already know its genetic features, which means we’re that much closer to a vaccine and treatment. In comparison, it took scientists years to get that far with HIV/AIDS. A vaccine is estimated to be available within 18 months and antiviral drugs are in development.
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will start offering at home coronavirus testing kits soon.
- Italians found a moment of joy and solidarity amid their lockdown.
- On March 12th, South Korea reported that they had more recoveries than new coronavirus cases for the first time. It’s raised hopes that Asia’s biggest epidemic outside of China may be slowing. Plus, it was recently announced that no one under 50 has died from the virus within this country.
- The coronavirus outbreak is starting to stabilize in China, with attractions and hotels slowly starting to open up for business again and some being told to go back to work.
- New York State has opened it’s first coronavirus drive through testing facility, improving the availability of tests. The success of this operation will likely be repeated elsewhere in the country and in the UK. Being able to stay in your car while being tested is a great way to prevent spreading the virus while getting the answers you need. Below is a video of what it’s like to use South Korea’s drive through testing.
- A 98 year old woman has been cured of coronavirus in Wuhan, China. This makes her the oldest person in the world to survive the virus so far.
- U.S. House passed a coronavirus economic relief package with Trump’s support. This included paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, free testing, money for food stamps, and more.
- The LA mayor announced that landlords are banned from evicting tenants affected by the the pandemic. More cities are following suit soon, with the UK’s parliament to discuss this week.
So, the world’s governments and institutions are rallying to contain the spread of the virus. Measures are being put in place, progress is being made in some places, and communities are coming together – signaling that the world at large will be able to get through this. For more journalism surrounding the coronavirus outbreak that may be helpful to you, have a look at our tips for coping with self quarantine as well as our coverage of the racism that the East and South-East Asian communities have been facing during this time.
