Background information
How I turned struggling over my kids’ homework into an opportunity
by Michael Restin
The ball is in our court: let's help each other
17.3.2020
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Thomas Kunz
The Federal Council made its position clear yesterday. We all have a responsibility and must help to contain the coronavirus. This can only succeed if we stay at home, leave the house only for the most necessary errands, and help each other.
Yesterday's announcement by the President of the Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, was clear. Since midnight, the "extraordinary situation" has been in force. Most shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment and leisure facilities will remain closed. The appeal to the population: stay at home. No meetings with friends, no invitations to parties, no jogging groups, no outings to the playground with the kids. Just stay at home. Only people who are going to work or shopping or who have another good reason to leave the house should do so. This motto is particularly important for people in the risk group.
We must comply with federal regulations. If the contagion continues and we don't deal with it, the Federal Council will announce a strict curfew. Then the police and army will make sure we stay at home. Nobody wants that.
Take care of yourself and look out for others
Within what is currently allowed, there are things we can do to help each other. Neighbourhood initiatives have been set up all over the country. The ideas are simple: if you go shopping, for example, you could also do some shopping for someone who lives in your neighbourhood. If you have time and don't have to work, you could volunteer to look after the children of parents who have to go to work.
- The "Hilf jetzt!" campaign is trying to create a register of Facebook, Whatsapp, Telegram and other groups near you. Sign up to help. It's not a free pass to go out and meet friends. Hygiene and distance rules apply all the more.
- There is also an app that coordinates help interventions. The app comes from the Red Cross and is called "Five Up". The aims are similar to those of "Hilf jetzt!"
- The https://www.studentsagainstcorona.ch/ site offers help from people for a variety of tasks, not just students.
- Hospitals and clinics expect to run out of capacity soon. So they're looking for help. Check the website of your nearest hospital to see if they need help.
- If you have a computer with some computing power at home, you can help with the search for a cure. With this tool, you make your computing power available.
- Many businesses, cultural workers and freelancers are currently facing an existential end, as they will not earn any money in the next five weeks, perhaps even longer. The federal government has promised immediate aid for them. If you belong to this group, contact your cantonal economic and employment office. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has published a guide to financial assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Updated 25.3.
- On the www.zamadihei.ch website a database of people who need help or can offer help in Switzerland has been set up.
- The participatory funding project "Together now" is trying to raise 2.5 million francs who no longer have an income or salary at this time.
We try to keep this page up to date with new initiatives. So if you've heard or seen anything, note it in the comments. It's about help at a Swiss or international level, which we can implement together.
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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