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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Queen's U chapter.

The past few weeks have been encapsulated by a constant media cycle regarding COVID-19 news: changing laws and fines, social distancing, number of confirmed cases, death rates, the economy, healthcare, and more. Constantly hearing about the pandemic takes a toll on an individual and it can become hard to focus on anything else. It’s important to acknowledge that while we’re in a global health crisis, good things are still happening around the world. 

  1. The Office actor, John Krasinski, launched a YouTube channel called “Some Good News” where he shares positive, uplifting stories during such a difficult time. His show has featured some other famous people, including his past co-star, Steve Carrell. Krasinski’s show is hilarious and often tear-jerking. He’s providing people all over the world with a little positivity.

  2. Researchers associated with Harvard Medical Institute have created a blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer and identify what type of cancer an individual has. It was developed using a type of artificial intelligence and is currently in the clinical trial stage. The results of the clinical trial have been successful so far and scientists have regarded this as a groundbreaking discovery in medicine. 

    Woman looking into microscope
    Photo by Trust \"Tru\" Katsande on Unsplash

  3. The COVID-19 virus began its spread in a Chinese city and after months of full lockdown, the city has slowly begun to return to normal life. Tourist hotspots have reopened along with the train stations, meaning people can leave isolation. Also, due to a shortage of masks and other essential items in foreign countries, China’s supplying millions of masks and essential items to governments around the world that are in need. 

  4. Ellen Degeneres continues to provide entertainment and laughter for her fans. Using her Instagram, she’s been sharing videos of herself FaceTiming with a range of A-list celebrities including Kevin Hart, Michelle and Barack Obama, Mario Lopez, Courtney Cox, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. Her fans are certainly entertained with each phone call she makes and feel more connected! She challenged Michelle Obama to a plank competition, Kevin Hart was hilarious as always and John Legend played the piano and sang. 

    Couple using laptop in bed
    Image by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

  5. The Free Little Library program, which consists of free book-sharing boxes where anyone can take a book and leave a book has begun creating Free Pantries. Strangers are leaving goods for others, such as cookies, crackers and wipes, because COVID-19 has caused many people to panic shop, leaving many essential items scarce.  

  6. Elton John hosted a live concert from his living room to raise money for charity while providing entertainment for people at home. Accompanied by Elton John were Mariah Carey, Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Lizzo and more. The concert was streamed on live TV and thousands of people watched from the comfort of their homes. 

    Microphone on stage
    Bruno Cervera

  7. Justin Trudeau has introduced a Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program. By applying online, Canadians who are hurt financially by COVID-19 will be paid $2,000 a month for the next four months. This benefit will apply to any Canadian out of work due to reasons related to COVID-19, including for sickness, quarantine, caregiving, staying home to take care of children or loss of jobs.

  8. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Italy, reporting the highest rate of deaths in the world. Due to the alarming number of people who need medical care, hospitals in Germany have begun to take in patients from Italy and France by using the country’s air force to transport patients.

    There are doctors standing in the hallway of a hospital.
    Oles Kanebckuu

  9. Community members worldwide are participating in mass applause for health care workers. Each day, health care workers are sacrificing their own health to aid those who are suffering from COVID-19. This isn’t going unnoticed and many citizens are showing their appreciation.

  10. Across Canada, citizens are participating in “caremongering” (showing kindness) by creating Facebook groups to either ask for help or offer help, particularly to those who are more susceptible to COVID-19. Young people across Canada are getting groceries for elders and dropping the items off at their houses, while we must remain six feet apart.

    2 women making the word love with their hands
    Pexels / Leah Kelley

Alexandra Amendola

Queen's U '21

Alexandra is a fourth year student majoring in Sociology at Queen's University. She is also the president of a club on campus that she is passionate about; Girls Inc. at Queen's. She hopes her writing helps others as much as it helps her! 
HC Queen's U contributor