The Covid-19 crisis persists and takes terrible tolls on life, health and livelihood, highlights and deepens racial and social inequalities and injustices, exposes problems or failures of capitalism and political decision-making, permeating all aspects of society.
There are a few developments that give cause for hope though, which we observed over the past couple of months. Mutual aid is in full swing in many communities, including shopping support, food sharing or donations. In general support for the needy has sprung up. People have been celebrating workers in formerly overlooked occupations, such as nurses, pharmacists, operations assistants or supermarket workers for weeks. Mostly, people are careful, nice and supportive (no link here, just an assertion). Universities such as the City University of New York (CUNY) have implemented quick student assistance support. New York City Schools have continued to serve meals for children. An entire online culture sprang up with free music, virtual museum tours and yoga websites supporting those locked down at home. Online meetings and cocktail parties proliferated. In general, many people were forced to slow down, spend more time with family, learn new skills, change pace and halt, and -if all that is not overwhelming- some have the luxury to reflect on what is important.