1. Stay Home for Reno and Away from Others as Much as Possible
Wearing a mask while grocery shopping, staying at home as much as you can, keeping your distance from others when you do go out and about might be more for others than for yourself, as you might be asymptomatic, while some of your friends, neighbors and relatives are immunocompromised and at much more risk than yourself. When you go grocery shopping, be fast and efficient, and keep your distance. When going outside to get fresh air, avoid doing anything in groups other than with those you already live with. The longer we have new cases, the longer the shutdown will last. Remember, we are in this together, and only as strong as the most vulnerable among us.
An inspirational message in Reno as the shutdown drags on.
2. Help your Local Community via Facebook Mutual Aid Groups and with check ins in your neighborhood
There are both new groups which started shortly after the coronavirus shutdown began such as Reno/Sparks Mutual Aid (https://www.facebook.com/groups/186246196158115/), Delivering with Dignity (https://www.facebook.com/dwd.renosparks/) or solidarity groups which existed prior to the pandemic such as Compassionate Neighbors Northern Nevada (article about that group we wrote here: http://www.ourtownreno.com/our-stories-1/2019/1/27/georgia-russell-coordinating-compassionate-solidarity-for-those-in-need). Check out their pages, get involved in discussions, and see if there might be someone posting there you could help.
You can also check on your neighbors from time to time, by text or phone, or while walking the dog, if you see them, to see if they are OK. Times are increasingly difficult for those without shelter so prepare care packages for them and organize with others how to drop them off along the river or in care boxes around Reno and Sparks.
A screengrab for the local collective #maskup initiative.
3. Apply Your Skills where they might be needed
A good example we recently profiled is the Northern Nevada Mask Coalition which is putting together experts at donation drives with those with abilities to make masks for local production and distribution: https://www.facebook.com/Northern-Nevada-Mask-Coalition-With-Lexies-Gift-106918264320302/
Local brewers who started making hand sanitizer is another example of a worthy endeavor, among many others popping up in the region. Create your own or join an existing group.
4. Donate to Causes and Groups You Believe In
Food Bank of Northern Nevada is doing a special drive for this giving Tuesday. You can look to Eddy House, which is also looking for help via its social media. The group RISE which is working on establishing a new shelter in Sparks for women and children called Our Place, and has other ongoing projects for those most in need in our community, also has a donation page: http://www.renoinitiative.org/donate/
5. Write Letters to Isolated Friends, Relatives and Strangers
Writing a letter will be therapeutic for yourself, and will create a connection, something many of us are lacking these days. Write an old friend you’ve been out of touch with of late. Sign up to a pen pal program. There’s also programs to reach out to people residing in nursing homes or incarcerated in prisons, facing even more loneliness than usual in these pandemic times. If local ones don’t exist which suit your specific wants, why not set one up yourself?
Reynolds School of Journalism Student Karina Dominguez reports on still empty toilet paper aisles.
6. Don’t Waste Food or Buy Unnecessary Items
There are still shortages and problems in the supply and delivery chain, so now is not the time to hoard, or to waste food, or to purchase unnecessary items. Some people are starting their own vegetable gardens to be more self-sufficient, or changing eating habits to be healthier. Start a compost pile. Turn your scraps into vegetable stock.
Joe Exotic of Netflix Tiger King hasn’t yet tested positive for coronavirus despite plenty of news reports initially indicating that he had. Someone else at the prison where he is currently locked up was a positive though, perhaps leading to this misinformation.
7. Don't Spread Misinformation
From fake cures to fake data and fake fears, there’s been plenty of misinformation about COVID-19. As a contributor to social media, it’s important to look at information closely and with proper attention before sharing or reposting. While much of the actual verified information is alarming, there’s no need to add increased stress, anxiety or false hopes while peddling misinformation.
8. Be Extra Kind to Those on the Frontlines
From nurses to postal workers, firefighters to EMTs, grocery workers to DoorDash delivery people, think of ways you can be extra nice in these times where they are performing their jobs while constantly putting their health at risk.
9. Help Friends and Family with Remote Child Care
Parents are swamped right now. If you don’t have kids, you can think of a Zoom activity to try with them, like magic tricks, or learning a new dance routine.
A screengrab of different types of diaries people have been starting.
10. Keep a Diary
Some people are calling a plague journal, but however ghastly this sounds, it can be meditative to organize your thoughts. It will also be a valuable resource to yourself and your family in the future, looking back on this coronavirus 2020, hoping it will soon be in our rearview mirror, and that we will all learn the lessons we need to learn, and take it as an opportunity to better ourselves as a community.