The 10 Most Inspiring Images That Capture the Bright Side of the Coronavirus Pandemic

Efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus have drawn comparisons to the rationing and restrictions of World War II, with rising anxiety seen daily. This is clear in the global wave of panic buying and the unease felt when people crowd too close to one another in shopping centers. However, amidst the chaos, there’s a positive side to the pandemic (pun intended). Across the globe, people are uniting to battle a common foe, and even political divisions are being set aside to prioritize the needs of the people.

Everywhere, heroes are emerging, and touching stories are flooding the internet just as rapidly as tales of fear and turmoil. This list showcases 10 uplifting examples that have the potential to offer some sanity amidst these turbulent times.

10. Crystal-Clear Canals in Venice

While Italy fights the coronavirus on the frontlines, nature has reclaimed Venice, with swans and dolphins now freely swimming in the once-murky canals, which are now clearer than ever.

The canals, usually busy with boats, are often murky. However, once Venice imposed lockdown measures, the waters began to clear as sediments settled at the bottom. Though the mayor’s spokesperson clarified that the cleaner water doesn’t imply better quality, it’s still a hopeful sight in these uncertain times.

9. Penguins' Museum Adventure

Around the globe, institutions are closing to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Zoos, libraries, museums, and aquariums are among those shutting their doors. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one such institution, but its staff has found an amusing way to keep the animals entertained. This resulted in a spontaneous 'field trip' for the penguins through the museum.

The penguins explored the aquarium and encountered some of the other animals. Wellington the penguin was fascinated by the fish, while Monte made his way to the dolphins. The aquarium plans to share updates on the animals' adventures through social media as long as the building remains closed.

8. Balcony Concerts

As Italy reached the highest death toll from the coronavirus, those in lockdown refused to let their spirits falter. In a scene reminiscent of wartime musicals, Italians united to uplift one another by singing and playing instruments from their balconies.

The concept spread to Spain, where people began joining together in song and applause while self-isolating or staying in quarantine. A social media movement also encouraged everyone to step onto their balconies and open windows to give a standing ovation to the healthcare workers working tirelessly. This call was enthusiastically followed, and the cheers echoed for miles.

7. South African supermarket chain accommodates pensioners

In South Africa, the announcement that the Covid-19 pandemic had reached the country caused widespread panic. People rushed to stock up, resulting in chaos. Although the South African government made several public statements to reassure citizens, the tension remained palpable.

Pick n Pay, a prominent South African supermarket chain, stepped in to help ease the panic. They implemented a policy of opening one hour earlier every Wednesday to allow pensioners and those over 65 to shop in a quieter environment and reduce their exposure to crowded spaces. Given that older individuals are more vulnerable to the virus, this initiative has been widely praised as a thoughtful response in challenging times.

6. Top celebrities offering free streaming concerts

As people around the globe find themselves in quarantine or self-isolation, they are searching for ways to pass the time. On March 16, Chris Martin hosted a live-streamed mini concert from his home, which was warmly embraced by fans. Following his lead, many other celebrities have taken to live streaming performances to help entertain people as they adapt to this unusual new world.

Among the stars who have joined this movement are John Legend, Indigo Girls, Death Cab For Cutie, Pink, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, and Katharine McPhee.

5. Environmental improvements as quarantines take effect

Within just a month, the dense layer of toxic air pollution that had been lingering over major Chinese cities has almost disappeared, thanks to quarantines and self-isolation measures. Fei Liu, an air quality researcher with NASA, stated that this was the first time he had witnessed such a significant decrease in pollution over such a vast area, triggered by a single event.

CO2 emissions saw a decrease of at least 25% from February 3 to March 1, driven by a sharp decline in China's coal consumption. While it is expected that pollution levels will rise once the pandemic is over, it is a relief to witness blue skies in areas once plagued by smog that was lethal enough to cause harm.

4. A festive surprise in March

The idea quickly gained traction as many individuals decided to brighten their surroundings by turning their Christmas lights back on, spreading festive joy throughout their neighborhoods. Even the Hallmark Channel embraced the holiday spirit by announcing a special movie marathon, titled *We Need A Little Christmas*, to be aired from March 20 to 22, 2020.

3. Christ the Redeemer statue lights up in unity

On Wednesday, March 18, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil was illuminated as a symbol of solidarity with countries battling the coronavirus pandemic. The flags of the affected nations fluttered across the grand statue, and messages of hope were projected onto it. Below the statue, the *Holy Sacrifice Of The Mass* was held to pray for those impacted by the virus, with the hashtag #praytogether displayed in various languages.

2. Jennifer Haller takes one for the world

On March 18, Jennifer Haller, one of 45 volunteers, became the first person in the world to receive an experimental vaccine for the coronavirus. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed feeling both happy and excited to contribute, especially in a time when so many people feel helpless.

Each volunteer receives two injections spaced 28 days apart as part of the vaccine safety testing process. The global race to find an effective vaccine is in full swing, with 35 institutions involved in testing and trialing potential vaccines.

1. Messages of support

Becky Wass from Cornwall came up with a brilliant idea to offer help to those in need during self-isolation. She designed a postcard template to be shared on social media, which reads, 'Hello! If you are self-isolating, I can help,' with space for individuals to add their contact details and requests for assistance.

Others have taken a more visible approach, placing large banners outside their homes to show their support for neighbors and offer help with any tasks that may be needed.

+ Spanish Soldiers Assisting an Elderly Woman

Spain pic.twitter.com/Ks9UsDuk59

— R?MIN N?SIBOV (@RaminNasibov) March 20, 2020

In a touching video captured within the past 24 hours, Spanish soldiers are seen helping the elderly and those in need. As the pandemic continues, many countries are calling on their military forces to assist. This is a reminder that these individuals—police officers, medical staff, and soldiers—have been risking their lives for us for years. Now, they are stepping up in an even more visible way to fight this invisible enemy. If you happen to interact with them, take a moment to express your gratitude and share a smile. They are just as concerned for their loved ones as we are, and a small act of kindness can make their difficult job just a little bit easier.

[From JFrater: I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the readers here who are, or have been, serving in the military, healthcare, religious, or emergency services. Your sacrifices are truly appreciated and do not go unnoticed. On behalf of everyone here, I can confidently say: while we may not be physically with you, we stand by you in spirit.]