In the midst of this Coronavirus pandemic, there’s a lot of misinformation. To combat that, the Pulso staff has curated updates in order to provide you with helpful and insightful resources for navigating this moment. Each week we’ll send you essential coronavirus-related information, resources and a touch of inspiration, too. 

1: Global Shutdown, and hope

This moment is unprecedented. Within the past week, whole cities, states and countries have gone on lock-down as containment efforts increase. As borders closed confirmed cases of people with coronavirus increase globally, as well as related deaths. Simultaneously, scientists around the world are feverishly searching for effective treatments and everyday heroes show up in the form of doctors and nurses, supermarket workers on the frontline so we can get our supplies, farmworkers harvesting our fruit and even neighbors looking out for the vulnerable. 

2: Overreach of Authority

While we’re in crisis, the Department of Justice’s first priority is continuing arrests. On March 21, they asked for emergency powers, seeking to bypass normal law in order to detain people indefinitely without trial. Advocates concerned with prison conditions are calling for stopping all ICE arrests and immediate release of some prisoners who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. 

3: Democracy at Risk

Regardless of the CDC issuing guidance against gathering, April’s Democratic Party primaries still happened in Florida, Arizona and Illinois despite the calls for postponing. By encouraging these elections, The Democratic National Convention (DNC) put humans and our democracy at risk. Sources reported low voter turnout, nonfunctional polling places, and unsanitary conditions. 

4. Free resources from home

On a brighter note, a mirage of digital services have opened up for those of use lucky to be safe at home. A favorite is Yale’s popular class on how to be happy which is now free online. And there are loads of other courses, like these 10 University Art Classes for anyone to join. For those of you with curious kids at home, check out this Virtual Marine Biology Camp

5. Sana, sana Earth

Finally,  🌎  our environment is responding by healing. Canals in Venice started clearing weeks after limited human interaction, and air pollution in some areas has temporarily plunged, as seen from space.  
During these challenging times, remember to continue to take precautions, reach out to loved ones, and make time for self-care 😊

Author

Luna Olavarría Gallegos (she/her/hers) is a Content Writer for Pulso. She's a storyteller working at the intersections of culture and global politics, and has been published in The Guardian, The FADER and Remezcla. Based in New York, she’s originally from a bicultural home in New Mexico. 📧: [email protected]