Eight Pretty Great News.
Whilst there has been a lot of news surrounding the pandemic, there is still a small gleam of good news that’s resulted in the impact of the world largely going into isolation. Our planet is finally getting the chance to breathe, wildlife is being restored and communities are coming together stronger than ever. This does not dismiss the severities of the pandemic at all, but in a way, it’s nice to be able to see a positive light from all of this.
So here's eight pretty great news:
There has been an outpouring generosity towards NHS staff and emergency service workers
Businesses are offering huge discounts such as 50% off discounts, free food and free drinks as a display of gratitude for their hard work. To name a few: McDonald’s, Greggs, Starbucks, Pret a Manger, Nando’s and Hotel Chocolat.
Big supermarkets are opening their doors earlier to help elderly customers
From 8am to 9am big supermarkets are opening specifically for elderly, NHS staff, disabled customers and social care workers to access supplies. This means that they get priority of essentials and do not risk being caught up in huge crowds.
Clearer waters in Venice
Many parts of Italy, including Venice, have been on lockdown for a while now. With a spokesperson for the Venice mayor’s office saying ‘The water now looks clearer because there is less traffic on the canals, allowing the sediment to stay at the bottom.’
Clearer skies in Krakow
Residents have noticed that they are able to see the Tatra mountains again, which were previously covered by the city’s smog.
300 hotel rooms in London offered to rough sleepers
While people are advised to stay in their homes, this is not possible for people who are homeless and rough sleepers. To protect them from the infection, the London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced over the weekend that the city had secured 300 hotels rooms temporarily where people who are sleeping rough can stay.
On top of that....
Former England footballer Gary Neville, who also runs a chain of hotels in Manchester has opened his hotels free of charge to NHS workers that are working long hours and have been forced to isolate if family members are experiencing symptoms.The Chelsea FC has also offered rooms in their Stamford Bridge hotel to NHS workers needing accommodation.
LVMH and alcohol brands are making hand sanitiser
LVMH, the parent company of brands including Fendi, Givenchy, Dior and many more are producing disinfectant gel instead of perfume in their factories, all of which will be distributed to health authorities and hospitals for free. Additionally, some beer and spirit brands have started using the alcohol content from their products to make hand sanitiser instead. To name a few: Brewers Brewdog, Leith gin and Verdant Spirits.
People helping elderly and vulnerable people in their local communities with shopping
People are sharing notes and leaflets advertising their help to those who are unable to get out of the house to do their shopping or to pick up prescriptions.
Searching for positive news has reminded us that we are all equal, regardless of culture, religion or occupation. It reminds us that no matter who we are, we are all connected in some way. So we'd like to thank everyone that is making a contribution to our society whether it's staying at home, donating to food banks, supporting the NHS or supporting small businesses.