Together Apart

Together Apart

By Loulou Chryssides Posted: September 22, 2020

Image/Eleni Louca

When the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic first hit, everything was placed on pauseGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Within the course of 24 hours, our lives changed completelyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

At Give Me Astoria, specifically, we initially did not know what the future would holdGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Friends in the neighborhood were closing their businesses left and right while loved ones battled the illness itselfGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

However, when life’s obstacles arise we have two choices: to try and make the best of it or let ourselves be overwhelmed by fearGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Keeping this mindset, our team decided to take the smallest first step possible and deliver a dinner from Nino’s AQ to the incredible doctors, nurses, and essential workers at Mount Sinai QueensGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. After receiving countless messages from the Mount Sinai Queens staff, we decided to keep the momentum going and begin a GoFundMe in order to provide meals for the essential and frontline workers who were selflessly working around the clock, while simultaneously supporting our local restaurants who needed business to keep their doors openGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Within days, our GoFundMe campaign received hundreds of donations from Astorians near and farGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. While we knew that the Astoria community always comes out to support each other, our team was overwhelmed with gratitude that this initiative took off the way it didGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

With the help of our Give Me Astoria community, we were able to raise over $25,000 in funds to help feed healthcare and essential workers from NYC to Long Island, all while supporting dozens of local restaurants who kept their doors open throughout the processGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

And now for the big questionGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. What comes next? The future may be uncertain, and that is why we must continue to practice social distancing, in order to greatly help prevent the spread of droplets, and therefore, the chance of transmission of COVID-19Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Another simple way to help stop reduce the chances of transmission is by wearing a mask or facial coveringGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. As per the advice of countless health professionals, masks can significantly lower the chances of spreading the virus, particularly if you are an asymptomatic carrierGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Make sure your mask is covering both your nose and your mouthGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

And last, but most important, wash your hands! If you touch a contaminated surface, and then unknowingly touch your face you increase your risk of infectionGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Be sure to wash your hands for 20 secondsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. If you are out and find yourself with no access to soap and water, be sure to have hand sanitizer on youGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Today’s world is scary and leaves us uneasyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. But remember: the quicker we all do our part, the faster things can get back to normalGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Stay safe, and stay strong, Astoria!