As thousands of Nigerians test positive for COVID-19 – and experts warn that there could be a second wave of the coronavirus later this year – one big question on everyone’s minds remains: how would we survive this pandemic?

The answer isn’t clear. In Nigeria, there were 44,433 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, with 910 deaths as of August 5, 2020. Nigeria has undertaken 304,221 tests since the outbreak as of this date, a figure by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says.  The implication being border closures, business lockdown, restriction of inter-state movements, halt in world trade, stalled industries, loss of jobs, disruption of supply chains, and price inflation of food items. Ultimately, seven million Nigerians are predicted to experience food shortage between June and August across C0VID-19 affected states like Kano, Kebbi, Kastina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, Adamawa, a report disclosed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

With everything going on in the world, it is not uncommon to lose hope on our lives going back to any semblance of normalcy. This is why we need to rally together to make a positive impact by helping those in need and aid in relief efforts. Here are simple ways to give back to your community in this sensitive time.

1.      FEED SOMEONE

Since the COVID-19 lockdown, food items like tomato, rice, garri are 120% higher than normal prices in major markets across states, a statistic disclosed by Stears Business. The report also shows that 31% of households suffer from food shortages due to these high prices. This is a time to show love to people that are vulnerable during the pandemic by delivering healthy meals to them. You can deploy funds to ensure access to free meals for those in need. And sometimes, the person in need could be the family living close to you who haven’t eaten in weeks. A simple homemade meal or foodstuff delivered to their front doors will make people feel loved and appreciated.

2.      GIVE A LISTENING EAR

As the COVID-19 continues to ravage the world, it is indisputable that it poses a threat to our mental health. People are triggered by the economic downturn, sudden deaths, unemployment, and uncertainty that lingers in the air. If you want to help out, start small. Call your family, an old friend, a colleague, your neighbour, and ask how they are coping. Don’t be in a hurry to share your problem, rather listen to them and see how you can come in to make things better.

3.      GO TECHY

Since schools and offices are closed, many of us have to rely on internet access to carry out any function from home. But not everyone has a personal computer or free access to the internet. Either as an individual or organization, you can make a change by donating laptops, free data, or free training on how to navigate life during the pandemic and post-COVID. 

4.      GIVE OUT FREE PRECAUTION TOOLS

A lot of movement around town requires us to be fully guided with precaution must-have like a hand sanitizer and a face mask. Make donations of these essentials to frontline workers, care homes, and those in your neighborhood. Encourage people to stay safe because the coronavirus as a ripple effect on the entire community if one person refuses to take the necessary precautions.

5.      WATCH OUT FOR OLD PEOPLE

In this tiring time, old people are more vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. If you know someone who is elderly and perhaps stays alone, consider checking in to ensure they are ok. Help them run errands if the need arises. Help them stay connected to their doctors and family members.

6.      THROW A LIVE CONCERT/ SHOW/ VIDEO

There is a popular saying that people will forget what you said to them but will never forget how you made them feel. We all need a break from the constant overflow of sad news. Be the reason someone laughs by making a live video of a beautiful music rendition or one-on-one virtual conversation. Let your social media accounts be the messenger of hope through meaningful content in the pandemic. 

While you are offering a helping hand in the coronavirus pandemic, don’t forget to take necessary precautions yourself. To carry out any of these tips, always use a facemask, have a hand sanitizer, and get a hand glove if necessary.

Do you have a suggestion for other impactful ways to touch lives in the coronavirus pandemic? Share your ideas in the comment section below.