CANADA

Do you feel like scaremongering is suddenly a bigger issue than ever? Well, one woman has launched a campaign to combat this. Mita Hans, from Toronto, started the original ‘caremongering’ Facebook page in her home city to help those who were left vulnerable during this time of crisis. It has led to 35 more groups being set up across the country. Posts are tagged #iso, meaning those who are ‘in search of’ help, or #offer, for those who are wanting to help. Just a few of the acts of kindness include a single mother in Ottawa who was able to get much-needed food for her baby and the donation of a grocery store gift card to one woman who lost her job due to coronavirus. 

SPAIN

Like many countries, Spain is currently on lockdown, meaning citizens are doing anything but hitting the gym (think sitting on the sofa, staring out the window, looking in the fridge). This lack of exercise, however, concerned one personal trainer, who took it upon himself to teach an isolation-friendly workout. Climbing on top of his apartment block in Seville, the PT encouraged his neighbours to get onto their balconies and get sweaty, guiding them through a workout that included star jumps and squats, to prove that you don’t need to put yourself in danger to keep active. His video went viral on social media with people applauding his neighbourly support. Now that’s a class we’d like to go to. 

HONG KONG

Families in Hong Kong are now able to live-stream wellness lessons for free. The programme, created by the University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention and parenting website Mameshare, includes yoga for parents and children and music lessons with a focus on improving mental health. While it’s intended for the families of school-age children, the lessons aren’t academic but are “based on fun activities. We hope parents can reconnect with their children,” said Mameshare founder Elaine Tang Ming-yi. Teachers around the country will also be logging on to share hobbies they’re finding helpful, such as hiking and baking. Sign us up.

LEBANON

Amid the current global crisis, measures to combat coronavirus in Lebanon have included closing its borders, ordering public and private businesses to shut down and asking citizens to avoid leaving their homes. But the politicians enforcing these strict, albeit necessary, sanctions are making some sacrifices of their own, too. More than 20 cabinet members have donated their March salaries to support public hospitals, the Lebanese Red Cross and the country’s National Corona Defense Fund. In Lebanon, MPs earn 10 million Lebanese pounds a month, roughly £5,400, and say much more is needed to help patients during the pandemic. It’s a good start, at least.

BRAZIL

While football matches have been suspended in Brazil, the stadiums, however, will still be full as top football clubs are handing over the keys to health authorities. More than half of the 20 teams in Brazil’s Serie A league, including current South American champions Flamengo, are allowing the space to be used to assist fighting the virus as medical centres struggle to cope with the numbers of people needing care. Authorities in São Paulo said they would install 200 beds in a field hospital at the Pacaembu municipal stadium to relieve pressure on overcrowded hospitals, while a temporary clinic is being set up in one of the lounges inside the Vila Belmiro stadium in Santos. We’re looking forward to the day it’s once again a football pitch. 

Images: Brazil