The coronavirus, COVID-19, has many of us glued to the news, concerned for our loved ones, and adapting our lives to deal with the changes the pandemic is having on our homes, schools, work-places and even our relationships with each other. While some of us are worried about job security and others, who deserve our gratitude, continue working at the frontlines – putting their lives at risk for our safety.
The Restricted Movement Order as a response to the pandemic exposed the reality of inequalities in our system. It’s easier for some people to deal with the crisis than others. We’re fortunate enough to have an Employment Act in place that grants employees rights to paid sick leave should we contract the virus or receive quarantine orders, financial aid by the government for employees on unpaid leave earning RM4,000 and below during this period, in addition to statewide economic help introduced by Selangor and Johor. This is a good first step and we look forward to seeing more support measures rolled out over the coming weeks.
However there are still gaps. Consider that if schools and child care spaces close for extended periods, the burden on working parents (especially low-income, single-parent or single-earner households) without flexible work conditions will be extra heavy. The underprivileged and people without adequate homes are particularly vulnerable, as are those who have pre-existing health conditions.
But hopefully we can learn something from these unsettling times and come out of it as stronger people, working together toward a better nation with a focus to keep an eye out for one another, instead of increasing the gap between us. Malaysia Boleh!
People around the world are looking at this situation as a time for change – to build a better society, based on better health care, employment standards, social protections and a Green New Deal — in short, a society where we truly take care of one another and the only planet Earth we’ve got. In addition to an economy and society transformed to make us more resilient, driving changes in the ways we live, work and get around that promote positive environmental and health outcomes.
We need systemic solutions to these kinds of protection gaps and problems. In the meantime, we can keep our community connections strong, and model the behaviour we want our leaders to adopt. Malaysians kan berbudi bahasa!
Let’s show them that love and compassion are stronger than fear. Sarang hae~
Here are eight ways people are talking about caring for one another while staying safe as our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours navigate COVID-19.
1. Look after yourself, to look after us all – flatten the curve!
Use simple social distancing (duduk jauh-jauh) tactics like replacing hugs and handshakes with alternatives such as…
But most importantly, duduk rumah je la! ? If we all do our best to stop the spread, we can flatten the curve. ?
2. Check in on elderly neighbours
Although necessary, social isolation can be lonely.
Text, phone call, email or, if needed, especially if they live alone.
We’ve heard about amazing heroes who’ve gone out of their way to deliver groceries to their elderly neighbours – you could be one of ‘em ?
*No high-fives though please*
3. Reach out to people in self isolation
Send them funny memes or GIFs to cheer them up. Call them. Video chat them. Don’t forget about them. Make sure they feel less alone and have social support. Offer them help. Some communities have started to use such imaginative digital methods of connecting online to help neighbours who are in self-isolation.
Set an online lunch or dinner. Just because we’re apart doesn’t mean we can’t be together.
4. Volunteer your time.
Know someone in self isolation or who needs to limit their public interactions? Offer to pick up and deliver their shopping, treats or other things they might need, while taking precautions to keep yourself safe. Your time and labour could be a big help to someone needing support.
Caremongering Malaysia is one place that we know about where you can offer your help!
5. Combat fake news online
Unfortunately, if not unexpected, misinformation on COVID-19 is floating around online. If you see it, report it to your platform and let anyone posting/sharing it know (e.g., via private message or commenting on the post).
Get your information from trusted sources like the World Health Organization, the Malaysian Ministry for Health, or your doctor/hospital. Jangan la main share je, check dulu.
6. Fundraise for people financially impacted by quarantine measures
Fundraising platforms like Humanitarian Care Malaysia can help you organise, but word of mouth, email and text are also tried and true ways to do some grassroots fundraising in support of someone affected by things like missing work, paying for childcare because of school closures, or extra medical costs.
7. Make social distancing fun with video chat
Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t feel close to our loved ones. Get creative. Have a video chat to get together and celebrate birthdays or other occasions using everyday tools like Skype, Hangouts or Zoom. Or, synchronise watching your favourite TV show or movie together while chatting via text or video. Yumcha online pun boleh!
8. Share positive news and acts of kindness with your community
There are so many examples out there of people helping one another. Share those. Talk about those. Together we can prevent getting caught in a bad-news-hopelessness spiral.
Spread the word about how you’re making a difference. We’d sure looooove to hear about it and share it around too – so tag us on Facebook and Instagram @greenpeacemalaysia
We can’t do this without your help. Take action for environment protection, please make a donation today.