By Edaein OConnell
20th Mar 2020
20th Mar 2020
In these worrying times we all need a reason to smile – these positive coronavirus stories will do just that
We are taking a break in transmission from the negativity to bring you a little ray of positivity.
With the world on lockdown and dealing with a global pandemic, the news is far from cheerful. And while we understand why this is, there is a substantial need for some cheer even if it is in small quantities.
From multinationals and small businesses doing their bit to help all over the world to Tom Hanks being released from the hospital, there are reasons to smile.
Here are seven stories that made the IMAGE staff a little happier this Friday morning.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson released from coronavirus treatment
I think the world felt collective anger towards Covid-19 when it took Tom Hanks into its grasp. There was just no need. The actor and his wife were tested positive for the virus in Australia and were treated in hospital but were released on Tuesday. They are now self-quarantined in their rented Queensland home.
Nike donates $15 million to help fight coronavirus
Sports brand Nike has pledged over $15 million to help fight coronavirus even though the brand has temporarily shut its stores. The majority of the money comes from Nike Co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny, the Chairman of the Board, Mark, and his wife and CEO John and Eileen Donahoe. The money is to be split between health and food services.
Dublin street art smiles
I painted the shutters of the Dublin Steiner School on Meath St yesterday. Did it for free, for the community, for the kids. Trying to stay busy & positive. I’ve no jobs or projects coming up, so keep me in mind! pic.twitter.com/TrAmsWwTkF
— James Kirwan (@jameskirwanart) March 19, 2020
Visual artist James Kirwan painted the shutters of the Dublin Steiner School on Meath Street during the week and it is happiness in art form. Brightening up the street and the world, the bold and happy colours are a welcome reprieve from the gloom.
Bayer donates three million malaria tablets
The pharmaceutical company Bayer AG has donated three million malaria tablets to the US for potential use against coronavirus. Resochin, made of chloroquine phosphate and an approved treatment for malaria, is being tested in China for its potential use against COVID-19. The drug is not currently approved in the US but Bayer is working with agencies in the US for emergency use.
Medical TV show donates supplies to local hospital
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An American TV show called The Resident has donated boxes of personal protective equipment to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Production of the show was halted earlier this week because of the outbreak.
Drive-through takeaway and #FeedTheHeroes
If you live in or around the Galway area, the Twelve have adapted to the changing times and are now providing a drive-through service. They are also offering to #feedtheheroes with complimentary pizza from Pizza Dozzina at the hotel or a healthy spinach frittata to all local first responders — the Gardaí, the fire brigade, medical personnel and all other emergency staff on duty.
L’Occitane giving free hand creams to HSE staff
Beauty brand L’Occitane is continuing to keep its stores open and is inviting all HSE workers to visit the store and pick up a free 30ml hand cream. Loveliness lies in the small gestures.
Read more: 8 positive coronavirus stories you need to read today
Read more: The 10 stages of surviving being stuck home with the kids (and himself)
Read more: WATCH: This spine-tingling 1994 performance of ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries
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