Pandemic Pals

During this uncertain time of the Coranavirus Covid-19 outbreak, there is one thing the Dolls know for sure. Our communities must all  proceed with compassion, kindness and caution. Social distancing may have its perks (like working from home),  but finding points of connection is still incredibly important! Keep reading to find out why Caitlin and Danielle have named each other #PandemicPals.

You’ve heard of pen pals and gal pals. The newest, most important member of your inner circle is now your Pandemic Pal.

#PandemicPal /panˈdemik pal/ (noun) the person you have chosen in the 2020 Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis to virtually show love and support to

While many of us are self-isolating and social distancing to protect ourselves from the spread of COVID-19, we must remember that we are all  social creatures – it’s natural to feel disjointed, lonely, and a variety of other emotions during a time like this. Social distancing does not extend to Social Media and it certainly shouldn’t stop anyone from spreading kindness, virtual hugs and companionship digitally. The pandemic is unprecedented – and with that comes all the feels.  That’s why if you haven’t already, it’s time to link up with your pandemic pal.

Your Pandemic Pal can be a neighbor, co-worker, family member or friend. If you don’t know where to start, you can post to social media asking for a #PandemicPal.

Here’s how it works:

1. Commit to staying home. We’ve got to help each other through social distancing so that our society can move forward. Our main focus is to flatten the curve and protect our loved ones with compromised immune systems.
2. Decide who your Pandemic Pal is going to be and set up your daily chat schedule.
3. Let’s skip the texting. Call -or better yet- video chat instead.
4. Have fun with it! A virtual coffee date or happy hour are fun ideas to bring some normalcy to the situation. You can even have dinner together or a dance party! Just prop your phone up on video and enjoy each other’s company.
5. Stay up-to-date on the current protocols from the CDC. Keep each other calm and cautiously optimistic.
6. Make a plan for how you can both get the food, vitamins and the essentials that you need to stay safe and healthy.

There is no need to panic but there is a need to take care of each other, from a distance, during this time.

All photos were taken by Victoria Chuk at Marcus in Hinsdale (before social distancing).  Don’t forget to support your local businesses online and through Social Media– we all need each other!

In order to promote positivity during this unique time in our world’s history, we encourage you to #ProtectAndConnect one another by choosing a Pandemic Pal. We hope this challenge will be a small respite and reminder that it’s okay to find joy during hard times too. Remember, positivity is infectious.

For information and updates related to COVID-19, please follow @CDCgov, @CDCglobal and @WHO on Instagram or visit www.cdc.gov or www.who.int.

Why a Pandemic Pal? The Beatles sang it best, Oh, I get by with little help from my friends.