Right now the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 are all anyone can talk about.
You’re not alone if you feel overwhelmed or find yourself focusing on worst-case scenarios.
So let’s take a second, breathe deep and look at some of the positive things going on in these strange times.
We know how to slow the spread with social distancing and hand washing
More countries are containing the spread
Researchers around the world are working on a vaccine and a cure
Most people who get COVID-19 recover
Our environment is getting a break and pollution is dying down
Coronavirus testing is improving and newer, faster tests are also being developed around the world
People are coming together and helping each other
We are one day closer to the end of lock down
11 striking photos of the coronavirus pandemic from around the world
World Economic Forum recently shared the following 11 photos showing how the pandemic is changing our world.
Drawing in the customers
Paper cut-outs of customers sit at Eltana café in Seattle. Image: REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Many cafés and restaurants have been forced to close to curb the spread of the virus.
Paper cut-outs of customers are sitting at tables in Eltana café in Seattle, Washington, which is serving take-outs only.
Preaching to print-outs
A Catholic priest preaches to photos of the faithful in Brazil. Image: REUTERS/Rodolfo Buhrer
Without people to fill his pews, Catholic priest Reginaldo Manzotti conducts a mass to photos of his congregation.
A broadcast of the service at Santuario de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe church in Brazil was screened live on television.
Hi-tech connections
Belgian Jozef Gouwy, 93 looks at a robot made by Belgian company ZoraBots. Image: REUTERS/Yves Herman
Deemed particularly at risk, many elderly people around the world are isolated from their families.
Belgian company ZoraBots has made this robot for use in elderly people’s homes, so they can communicate with their loved ones virtually.
From fair to field hospital
The Serbian military has set up beds for those with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Image: REUTERS/Marko Djurica
Buildings around the world are being transformed into makeshift hospitals and morgues, creating extra capacity during the pandemic.
The Serbian military has installed beds in Hall 1 of the Belgrade Fair complex to accommodate people with mild symptoms of COVID-19.
Dancing across the road
Dancing through the chaos. Image: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
Streets and famous landmarks are deserted as cities go into lockdown.
Ballet dancer and performer Ashlee Montague dances in an empty Times Square in New York, which has become an epicentre of the disease.
Empty shelves
A customer facing bare aisles at a Sainsbury’s store in Harpenden, UK. Image: REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Panic-buying and stockpiling has led to empty shelves in shops, such as in this UK supermarket.
No-fly zone
Delta Air Lines passenger planes are parked at Alabama’s Birmingham-Shuttlesworth airport. Image: REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage
Travel restrictions have forced many airlines to ground planes and temporarily close routes.
These Delta Air Lines planes are parked up in Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama.
The plight of the homeless
With no home to go to, how can homeless populations hope to self-isolate? Image: REUTERS/Hannah McKay
Social distancing and self-isolation is not an option for those living on the streets.
This homeless man in London highlights the challenges facing this vulnerable population.
Cleaning the climbing frame
Frequently visited public places can be a hotspot for transmission. Image: REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
Mass disinfection measures are being taken around the world, with concerns over the coronavirus surviving on surfaces for several hours.
Here, municipal workers are disinfecting a children’s play area in Escobedo on the outskirts of Monterrey, Mexico, as part of a clean-up of public areas.
Praise for medical staff
The efforts of those on the frontline have not been forgotten. Image: REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
Widespread support and appreciation for key workers, particularly medical staff, has been on show around the world.
Several countries have held coordinated demonstrations of their gratitude with cheering and clapping.
Here, a man posts a large ‘thank you’ to health workers in the nearby Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, New York City.
A symbol of hope
Every little helps. Image: REUTERS/Phil Noble
Messages of hope are also spreading, as people make communal efforts to keep spirits up.
People in the UK are following Italy’s lead, displaying rainbows in windows to make passers-by smile.
Source: World Economic Forum
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