If you’re like many other individuals right now and are safe and healthy, you’re probably wondering how you can help out in this time of need. With so much time to spare, you’re itching to get out there (theoretically speaking, of course) and do your part to contribute to flattening the curve of COVID-19.
You might not know that there are things you can do right at home to help the situation that’s happening right now. Since you’re already there, let’s take a look at a couple of things that you can do at home to help others during this time of uncertainty.
Make Fabric-Lined Face Masks
Recently, the Canadian government made an official announcement that wearing masks is an effective way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In addition to the government’s recent decision, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults and children wear masks in public settings.
Are you someone who engages in knitting or is interested to learn? You can make batches of fabric-lined masks made of popular yarn brands with cotton or fleece lining for your friends and family members to wear when they go to the grocery store or pharmacy. However, it’s essential to remember that these masks are not to be used by health or frontline workers. Leave the heavy-duty masks to those who need them the most. Healthcare and frontline workers wear N-95 masks, and the majority of the public should honour that by sticking to homemade masks made with many layers of fabric.
To make your mask, you’ll need worsted weighted yarn, and lots of it. Masks worn by the public must have several layers, but still, leave enough space to breathe. Sew the fabric lining on the inside, where the mouth would be. Knit or crochet the mask itself with any colour or patterned yarn you like.
There are several patterns for masks available online nowadays, so start Googling the one for you. Once you get going, you’ll have a dozen or so to give to your loved ones!
Call Elderly Neighbours
The virus seems to affect the elderly population more aggressively than younger generations. Also, many senior citizens live alone and could experience loneliness and depression. Do you have an elderly neighbour, friend, or family member? Don’t hesitate to give them a call. A simple phone call could brighten up their day.
Or, if possible, consider asking them if they need anything. You could take a trip to the grocery store or the pharmacy on their behalf. Of course, you’d have to conduct that safely and make any transaction with them as contactless as possible (for example, leave the groceries on their doorstep), but it would help them significantly. To be completely safe you could check that you’re free of the virus by getting tested, e.g. PCR test or COVID saliva test.
Stay Inside
At this point, you’ve heard it one million times, but it can’t be stressed enough: stay home! The mere act of staying inside as much as possible is helping to fight this virus. Stay in touch with friends and loved ones via Face Time, Zoom, or Skype.
Keep as active as you can with online fitness routines. Take it one day at a time, but do it indoors. And most importantly — wash your hands!
The world is at a standstill right now, and it’s crucial to come together as a community. Become a vital help to society right now by staying inside as much possible, checking in on your neighbours, and knitting masks for your friends and family.
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