Georgians Coming Together During the COVID-19 Crisis

The coronavirus pandemic is a health crisis that has left our country and the world reeling. The virus has killed tens of thousands, and billions more have been impacted by the unprecedented steps societies have had to take to deal with it. Georgia and most other US states have issued “stay-at-home” orders, and businesses and events where large crowds gather have been canceled. This has put millions of people out of work and impacted every area of our society in one way or another.

As with all other crises Americans have faced in the past, communities all across the country are coming together to help each other get through it. There are a lot of people who are having a hard time dealing with having to stay-at-home as well as the uncertainty of the situation, and here in Atlanta and throughout the rest of Georgia, neighbors are stepping up to help those who have the greatest needs.

Here are just a few of the many ways Georgians are coming together to help each other deal with the coronavirus outbreak:

• Supporting Local Food Shelves: With so many people suddenly out of work, food shelves have an overwhelming need for finances and resources right now. They also need volunteers to replace those who have had to take a step back and stay safe in their homes while we ride out this invisible storm. The United Way of Greater Atlanta and many other charities are helping fill this need, and individuals in the community who are healthy and have more time on their hands than they are used to are stepping up to volunteer.
• Safely Donating Blood: As always, there is a great need for blood. However, blood donations have dropped significantly because potential donors are concerned about catching the virus. The Red Cross has gone to great lengths to make it safe for people to donate blood. For example, they take everyone’s temperature before entering, they keep all donors at least 6 feet apart, and they clean and sanitize all surfaces between donations. With these and other safeguards in place, donors are beginning to return and replenish the blood supply that many in our community so badly need.
• Supporting Frontline Workers: While most of us are safely in our homes, some workers are considered essential and have no choice but to be on the front lines. These include healthcare workers, grocery store workers, and truck drivers – heroes who are literally putting their lives on the line every day to keep our society functioning. As a “thank you” to essential workers, others in the community are sending them food, gifts, and appreciation cards. Some who have the skills are also sewing masks to give to workers so they can minimize their chances of viral exposure.
• Helping the Elderly within the Community: Seniors and others who are especially vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19 are unable to leave their homes (in the majority of cases) in order to get food or just visit with a loved one. Neighbors are stepping up to check on the elderly and make sure they have everything they need. Some in the community are delivering groceries and other essential items safely by dropping them off at a distance. Others are calling up their neighbors just to speak with them and provide some much-needed companionship during a time of isolation.
• Supporting Restaurants and Restaurant Workers: Restaurants, bars, and similar establishments have been hit especially hard by the coronavirus pandemic. With these places either closed or their services limited, a lot of their workers have lost their jobs. Organizations like The Giving Kitchen are helping displaced restaurant workers financially and by providing them access to critical community resources. Many in the community have taken it upon themselves to support these organizations or to patronize local establishments who are still open and providing take-out or delivery.
• Creative Socially Distanced Entertainment: With most of us stuck at home, we have had to find some very creative ways to entertain ourselves. For example, birthday parades are popping up in many communities, and musicians and other entertainers who usually play at local clubs have moved their performances online. People are also getting together using videoconference platforms like Skype or Zoom to play games virtually or just visit with each other for a while.

Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C. is Here for You

The COVID-19 crisis is one of the greatest challenges America has ever faced, but we will get through it, and we will emerge stronger for having experienced it. In the meantime, our communities are coming together to help those who have the greatest need.

 

At Bailey, Javins & Carter, L.C., we want you to know that we are still open and here to serve your legal needs during this difficult time. We are taking all of the precautions and following all of the social distancing guidelines, and we are doing most of our tasks remotely these days. That said, we have the technology and resources to continue providing the experienced and skilled representation our clients have come to expect from us.

 

To speak to a member of our legal team, message us online or call our Atlanta office today at (678) 981-5370. We look forward to serving you!