Part 1 of the ‘Save The World’ series, celebrating everypony involved in the fight against Coronavirus. Part 2 – Hope , Part 3 – Those Who Carry Us, Part 4 – Keep the Light, Part 5 – Fierce Compassion Part 6 – Remember the Fallen, Part 7 – Heroes

We are in this together. The world has never been more united in a common goal. And it will take every single one of us working together to save the world. So join the fight. Keep safe, keep each other safe, keep in touch, encourage each other, don’t let anyone get lonely. Through Friendship, we can win this.

<ins>Why does it matter if I stay at home?</ins>

It matters. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, spreads by touch, and it can survive the longest on moist living surfaces like human skin. Every time two people make contact, the virus has a chance to spread. By staying indoors, there’s one less opportunity for this virus to spread. This is how we defeat this virus; By breaking the chain of infection and stopping it from spreading. The united effort of every single of one of us counts.

<ins>Why is this so important?</ins>

<ins>Protecting the elderly, the frail and the sick</ins>

The majority of the young and healthy can expect to experience mild symptoms, though note this is not an absolute rule and that there is growing evidence of a minority of young people as young as 17 with no health problems suffering severe symptoms and dying of the disease. However, primarily, it’s the elderly, the frail and the sick that are most at risk of becoming gravely ill and possibly even die. These people at risk make up the 1% mortality from this virus. However, they are not just numbers. They are someone’s father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, husband, wife, brother, sister. They can be yours, your friend’s, someone dear. Help protect them. Stay at home.

<ins>Protecting hospitals and emergency services</ins>

Doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance crew and hospital staff are fighting this war on the frontlines. They are doing amazing miracles every single day. But if everyone gets the virus all at once, this will overwhelm their already struggling services. And if doctors and nurses overwork in overcrowded, under-resourced conditions, they too will get ill. Some might even die. Help protect them. Stay at home.

<ins>Protecting key services that keep society functioning</ins>

With rising anxiety, uncertainty and the risk of social unrest, the police and security services must work hard to keep the peace. With everyone’s demands for food, medicine and supplies rising, producers, factory workers, retail workers and delivery drivers must work harder to keep society well supplied. We can’t lose even a single one of these key workers. Keep them safe. Stay at home.

<ins>What else can I do to help?</ins>

<ins>Wash your hands/hoofsies/claws/wings/tentacles/pseudopodia</ins>

Other than inside a living host, the virus can survive the longest on moist living skin. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds will help destroy the bulk of the virus and prevent them spreading.

<ins>Clean surfaces you use often</ins>

The virus can survive a few days up to week on most surfaces. Cleaning commonly-used surfaces such as tables, desks, kitchen counters, sinks and bathrooms will help prevent spread.

<ins>Don’t panic-buy, don’t hoard</ins>

By all means, get what you think you might need. It is entirely sensible to buy long-shelf-life products such as instant noodles, pasta, long-life milk, frozen goods and medicine. But try to avoid panic-buying. You are more likely to end up wasting money on entirely useless supplies. Plan your shopping to your specific needs. Don’t hoard. Think of others who might need supplies just as much as you do. Think of the poor doctor, nurse, ambulance driver, paramedic, who come to the supermarket late after their shift, only to find empty shelves. Think of your friends, your neighbours. Be generous, be kind.

<ins>Stay in touch</ins>

Staying at home in isolation can be boring. Or worse, lonely! This will be the long game, and keeping morale up will be more important than ever. Keep in contact with everyone around you. Use the internet, skype, discord, facebook, blogs, youtube, etc. Play multiplayer online games. Have virtual movie nights using watch-together websites. Play tabletop RPGs online. Keep yourselves and each other engaged at home. And don’t forget about those members of society who might not be as internet-savy. Help them get online. Or at least phone them, write them letters or postcards. Remind each other that we are not alone in this. Keep the light of Friendship burning bright!

<ins>Stay Safe</ins>

Keep yourself, your family and your friends safe.