The new coronavirus has brought about a lot of fear, which may bring out the worst in people. Malta, however, seems to have many good souls who have taken the bull by the horns and offered to help out others in need.
Here are 10 amazing ways people in Malta are shining through the gloom.
1. The counsellor
Mental health during such times is as important as physical health. A counsellor has offered to chat with anyone who needs emotional or psychological help, through online means.
2. The landlord
Many a landlord have realised that rent money may be hard to come by this month, so they reduced their tenants’ rent.
3. The food sharer
One lovely woman has offered to share her stock of food, specifically baked beans and eggs, with anyone who does not have food, or cannot afford to buy. She also offered to go shopping for people who cannot go to the supermarket themselves and deliver their shopping.
This woman was not the only one. A list was created with several people offering to buy and deliver groceries to those in quarantine.
Even the Armed Forces of Malta have pitched in to help with grocery deliveries. “A number of deliveries are being made at several times throughout the day to ensure that those in need get the assistance they require,” they said.
4. The brave children
Schools are shut but children are using their time to draw up inspiring posters urging us all to keep safe.
5. The room provider
Since guesthouses are empty at the moment, one kind man offered up the empty rooms to all those in serious need and also to hospital staff. Another man has offered apartments and short let rooms in Valletta at low prices for any healthcare professionals who do not want to go home and expose their family.
6. The businesses
All those business owners who have contributed in some way. Some by providing their services free-of-charge to those in need discounted delivery rates and also giving parents free children’s TV channels.
7. The entertainers
The virus may have started in Wuhan but so did singing from the windows, to keep spirits high. Italians then took over and now the trend has come to Malta. Famous local singers, Toni Camilleri, l-Għannej, and Kevin Borg, provided their respective neighbourhoods with some entertainment.
8. The animal lovers
Our furry friends need to eat too and a local animal group has volunteered to help those in their village who are quarantined by offering to buy pet food.
9. The employer
All those understanding bosses who have understood the situation and have allowed their employees to work from home. Also, all those teachers who are doing their best for their students and preparing work for them to do at home.
10. The supporters
A Facebook event has been set up for Tuesday 17th March at 9.00 pm for everyone to go out on their balconies and clap, as a sign of respect and support for Malta’s healthcare workers during these trying times.
The superheroes
These deserve a special mention: the healthcare workers, including those working in elderly homes, who are at the frontline of this situation. Most are having to find alternative means of accommodation just to keep their families the same. These are the real superheroes – thank you.