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COVID-19, Part I: Digital Innovations in Response to the Pandemic

COVID-19, Part I: Digital Innovations in Response to the Pandemic
Reading Time: 6 minutes

There’s so much negativity surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic. And rightly so, there are people suffering severe symptoms, and in some cases, dying at the hands of the virus. While we’re doing our part to mitigate the spread, I think it’s warranted to step back and look at the advantages of this morose situation and what digital innovations it can bring. Take a stroll along with me while we attempt to stop and smell the auspicious roses.

This is the first of many articles we’ll be publishing over the next few weeks pertaining to COVID-19 and its impact on the tech industry and the world-at-large. Be sure to follow us on Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) so you never miss a thing!

Unity and Digital Innovations In a Time of Need

Your faith in humanity may, or may not have been positive prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Either way, I’m willing to bet stories like these have your spirits on the rise! It’s been really amazing and uplifting to see so many people come together and lend a hand.

Garbage bins with thank you posters on them
  • In times like these sometimes it’s the simple gestures that make the greatest impact. That was certainly the case for garbage collector Scott Atkins when he encountered hand-drawn ‘Thank You’ signs on the trash cans of a home on his route March 25th.
  • A grateful mom shared on Twitter how her neighborhood put together a surprise welcome home parade for her daughter Coco as she drove home from her last round of chemo.
Two people about to get married
  • Many people across the world have chosen to cancel major life events, such as their wedding, due to Coronavirus. One couple from East Yorkshire in the UK took this as an opportunity to take the meals intended for their wedding guests and share them with over 400 healthcare workers instead.
  • People all around Europe and the US, took to their windows, balconies, and gardens to cheer and clap for the health workers as their shifts changed: NYC, Italy, UK.

Stars Rising To the Occasion

You may think celebrities already get their fair share of attention, but these, in particular, deserve a nod for their efforts in response to COVID-19. 

“Eva Longoria, Danny Trejo and more latinx stars are participating in the #AyudaEnEspanol challenge to spread awareness for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) campaign. LULAC and Hornitos tequila have joined forces to provide the Spanish-speaking community with a Spanish-language resource kit, which includes information and assistance on applying for government benefits, the latest CDC and government updates, help for seniors, access to health services, guidance on applying for government benefits, job training and help tackling food insecurity.”

  • Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Hart, and many more are joining the all-in-challenge, offering up their time and unique prizes in an effort to raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts.  
  • CardiB partnered with Fashion Nova Cares April 8th which will give away $1,000 to individuals in need now through May 20th. 
Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend, Cody Simpson
  • Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend, Cody Simpson, hand-delivered 120 tacos to healthcare workers at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, California on April 4.
  • Like Mission Data, John Krasinski wants to spread positivity during these times, which led to him creating his own YouTube channel dedicated to just that. 
  • Post Malone and friends (including Travis Barker of Blink-182) livestreamed a Nirvana tribute on April 24th. Able and willing fans were asked to give a donation, all proceeds going to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 response fund. Google matched contributions 2:1 resulting in a few million dollars raised.

For more examples of humanity at it’s best, check out John Krasinski’s #SomeGoodNews tweets or Elle’s 57 Positive News Stories You May Have Missed During The Coronavirus Outbreaks.

Renowned Corporations Are Stepping Up To the Plate

Hand sanitizer on a table
  • According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Facebook has donated over 720,000 masks and 1.5 million pairs of gloves to medical centers in California. They’ve also donated $650,000 worth of food to senior citizens and helped fund 2,000 WiFi hotspots and/or WiFi to low-income students.  

Environmental Impact of COVID-19

It’s rare these days that you hear something that’s positively impacting the environment, but that’s exactly what seems to be happening with COVID-19.  

“With the country under intense lockdown restrictions, Italy’s famous floating city, Venice had a chance to recover from the years of pollution and debris left behind by tourists. The canals cleared up and few friendly creatures returned to say G’day. Swans and dolphins were filmed frolicking in the now pristine waters.”

For examples of comforting data and statistics, take a gander at Times Union’s recent article Stay positive: Here are 23 pieces of good news regarding coronavirus or Harvard Health’s Is there any good news about the coronavirus pandemic?

There’s more to come in the next few weeks. In the meantime, stay safe out there!