Coronavirus updates

Things to do while in isolation (2)

I'm doing a part two because of the really nice comment by StickyCarpet .

This is mainly centred around Italy, but they can definitely be adapted to suit your country!

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How to keep busy and overcome boredom during the coronavirus quarantine in Italy

Italy is in lockdown–schools, universities, bars, restaurants and shops are closed and we are urged to stay at home as much as possible. While giving up our daily routines and spending these days at home hasn't been easy, the reality is we have to. So why not make the most of this time? We're always in such a hurry, it's like we forgot how to stop and catch our breath for a second. But now it's the only option. Here's our guide on the best things to do while you are stuck in quarantine for Covid-19, overcome boredom and make the most of this situation.

Go on a virtual tour of the museums you love

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

Museum and art lovers rejoice! Lucky for us, many museums have decided to deal with the COVID-19 emergency and the measures against spreading the virus by offering visitors the possibility of going on virtual tours of their museums. Virtually visit the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms of the Vatican Museums, head to the Mercati di Traiano – Musei dei Fori Imperiali's Belvedere Terrace to get a splendid view of the Roman Forums; visit the treasures of ancient Rome through a virtual tour of the Ara Pacis Museum; or better yet, see the Colosseum on Airpano with 360° views. But the list doesn't end here, the Musei Capitolini also offers virtual tours, as well as other Italian museums including The Uffizi Gallery and the Egyptian Museum of Torino. But you can also visit international museums, too, including the Louvre, the British Museum and the National Gallery! Not so bad, huh?

Watch tv series and movies you love

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

From Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to Sky and Mediaset, we're filled with incredible platforms that allow us to watch amazing TV series and films! You were probably too busy to watch the latest season of your favorite TV series lately, or better yet, start a new one. And what about those movies you've always wanted to watch but never had the time to? Now is the time! If you've never seen La Casa de Papel, you better get yourself up to speed–the fourth season will be aired on April 3rd on Netflix. If you're into thrillers and haven't seen it yet, You is definitely one to start (or finish) watching. Peaky Blinders is another to put on your list if you're into crime tv series. While if you're fascinated by the United Kingdom and the royal family, you cannot miss the three seasons of The Crown. Ever wondered what would've happened in the world if Germany and Japan would've won the Second World War? It's your chance to find out with the series The Man in the High Castle! For something light and funny, Sex Education is a great one, and let's not forget our old time favorites: Friends, Scrubs, Grey's Anatomy, How I Met Your Mother and Two and a Half Men! If you're more into films, boy oh boy there's a vast selection: The Report, The Internship, The Intern, The Lord of the Rings saga, The Great Gatsby, Forrest Gump and The King's Speech for a start!

Check out the free services launched by Digital Solidarity

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

In times of crisis, you can truly see what people are made of. Italy has launched a Digital Solidarity campaign to help people deal with the lockdown. Yes, you read that correctly: Italy has launched a campaign to get companies, publishers, online services and more to provide free services to help people work or study from home, or keep busy in general (we all could use a hobby right now). The response has been extremely positive, with hundreds of online newspapers offering free subscription plans, e-learning platforms offering free access to their online lessons, telephone companies giving away gigabytes for free, companies giving smart working solutions for free, academic platforms to help give lectures online, scooter sharing services for free, online magazine editions for free, and so much more. You can use this time stuck in quarantine to brush up on your skills, learn something new, navigate the web, work, and get a heads up on your studying. These companies have proved me right: people do come together in times of crisis.

Join a crowdfunding campaign

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

It's not only a time for others to help us, it's also a time to help each other. The coronavirus has had a very negative impact on our healthcare system: we're running out of hospital beds, there aren't enough beds in intensive care for all the patients that need them, there aren't enough doctors and nurses, and resources are lacking due to the continuous rise of patients that need care (let's not forget Italy has a public healthcare system). Many influencers, celebrities, banks and companies have launched crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for hospitals and donated, including Chiara Ferragni and Fedez who raised millions in just a few days, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Intesa San Paolo, Unicredit, Mediolanum and many others. But it's not just up to these individuals and companies to raise money for our hospitals, we too can do our part. Even if we all just donated €1 it would be extremely helpful. Check out all the crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe. The money will be used to support Italian hospitals, purchase new ventilators and machines, pay personnel, create temporary hospitals and more. Once you've donated, share it on your social networks to spread more awareness and get other people to help during this health emergency.

Donate blood

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

We are in desperate need of blood donations, which have dropped after the new measures adopted by the Italian government. But blood collection hasn't stopped as 1800 patients need blood transfusions every day. If people keep on not donating blood, there could be a risk of blocking all surgeries. Money isn't the only way you can contribute to ameliorating the situation in Italy, you can donate blood to help all those people who need it. You absolutely can leave your house to donate blood, it falls under the "situazioni di necessità", or situation of necessity. Print your self-certified form, fill it out, and you won't have any problems. Blood donation is extremely secure, you can donate blood at these centers in Rome.

Get cooking!

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

Ok, so we're confined inside our homes. But grocery stores are still open, you can still purchase great food, and why not a beer or some wine, too? It's time to brush up on your cooking skills, who knows, maybe you'll find out you're a natural! Whether you're stuck in quarantine with family members, your partner or alone, it doesn't matter, cooking is essential and it's also good for the soul. Look up some tasty recipes, try to recreate a dish from your favorite local restaurant and get cooking! If you need to go grocery shopping, you definitely can. Just don't forget to keep a meter's distance from other people and that there's a limited access approach. If you don't feel like going to the grocery store, you can also call them and get them to deliver your groceries directly home. Just know that this may take longer (even a few days) as there are thousands of home delivery requests! Check out Esselunga, Coop, Carrefour, Conad, Supermercati24, Todis and more for your online grocery shopping.

Concerts in streaming #IoSuonoDaCasa

Things to do while you are stuck in quarantine

We all have to stay home in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus. This includes singers, bands and artists, too. And what's better to lift your spirits than some great music? Too bad all concerts have been cancelled till April 3rd. But lucky for us, there's some good news, too! Many Italian artists have decided to stay close to their fans by launching an amazing initiative using the hashtag #IoSuonoDaCasa (translated: I play from home). Many Italian singers will do real live streaming concerts on Instagram and Facebook, directly from their homes, to keep their followers company with some good music. Which means you can tune it at the right time and listen to some great music. The initiative is in collaboration with Rockol, All Music Italia and Friends & Partners. The calendar is being updated continuously and new artists are joining the project. From Enrico Nigiotti and Gianna Nannini, to Francesco Renga, Modà and Marco Masini, check out the music calendar to stay up to date!

peace out and stay safe 🤙
~careflower
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