What YOU Can Do To Help During The COVID-19 Pandemic

For a majority of us - nothing close to what's happening now in our world has happened in our lifetimes. We have to stay home? We can't go to the mall, go out to eat, or even have gatherings in our own homes? It sounds like something out of a science fiction novel or movie- but THIS IS our new reality.

So what can we do? What should we do? What is within our power to do, to impact our lives (and the lives of others more challenged) during this unprecedented time?

There is a actually A LOT!

We can start by reminding our friends/family to do everything they can to (and not to be cliche) - flatten the curve! It's actually quite simple...do stay home when at all possible, limit trips and practice safe social distancing when you must go out for vital supplies...to reduce the exposure and spread of COVID-19. Please visit resources to learn why this approach is so - very - important. Here's an FAQ from the Village of Buffalo Grove that has information everyone can use, to understand what we all should and shouldn't be doing. The Centers for Disease Control also has a wealth of information that can help to educate and inform.

Check on elderly or at-risk neighbors. If you have an older neighbor, or one with health issues, call them and check how they are doing - this simple step lets them know you're thinking about them - and most likely will brighten their day since this new reality can be isolating. Same thing goes for supplies....check in with neighbors and make sure everyone has enough of the things we all need....and yes....that includes toilet paper:(.

Support our local businesses! Those that can remain open after the Stay at Home order and even those that cannot. This means restaurants who can provide carryout/curbside pickup and delivery for one...but there are others as well. Even those that must close could be offering online specials or other ways to support them. (Read the order here that explains what businesses must close until April 7th, per the governor's order). The Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a new website called Palatine Strong that is inviting businesses to help people learn how they can support them during this time. Maybe that's a to-go order from a restaurant, a gift card purchased over the phone, or another purchase online/over the phone that can be utilized at a later date. Whatever you do, do what you can to spread the word and support our businesses!

The U.S. Census has unfortunately taken a back seat to COVID-19 -- but participating in the census is important for every - single - community member - and/or family in our towns and our state! The numbers that come out of the census dictate resources and funding granted to towns all across the state and the country (including and especially your own)....and that level sticks for a full 10 years until the next census. You're at home and you've got the time - fill out the census online or by phone as soon as you can! Please visit Census.gov for more information.

Be creative on how you engage with your friends - just remain engaged!! Call, email, video chat, have group zoom calls and get people -- together. Just because we can't be in the same room, doesn't mean we can't stay connected! We've got the technology (just think if this happened 50 years ago) so let's use it and keep our community and tribes going strong! Schedule a weekly chat, try to bring some normalcy to this not-normal situation, and share thoughts/ideas with friends (and it doesn't all have to be about the pandemic!)

Look on the bright side! The world moves fast; business, family, personal and everything else...while this IS a health crisis, for those of us who are not at risk and observing the social distancing recommendations, this is a time to regroup. You CAN'T run that meeting, chaperone that party, be the room Mom or Dad, or volunteer for that event that was stressing you out anyway! This is a time, to breathe. Make sure you are devoting your precious time to the things that really matter to you.

If you haven't learned enough already about the latest information on COVID-19, there are constant updates on the Illinois Department of Public Health website, and the Illinois Governor's office is doing an excellent job of keeping communications updated here. NBC 5 also did a great job of breaking down the Stay at Home order into digestible parts, here.

Hang in there everyone - and please remember, everyone should be doing what we need to do to protect our public health - and together, we can do this, and we will get through this!

Written by Vicarious Multimedia Founder Melanie Santostefano