How Youth Can Help Respond to Coronavirus Outbreak Positively

Since India has the majority of its population as a youth, we can take advantage and motivate them to disseminate the right information amongst the people around them.

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread its terror around the world, Global Shapers are stepping up and taking action in more than 50 countries. Global Shapers, a network of young leaders under the age of 30, have already started sharing basic protective measures with their communities, translating vital resources into local languages, and launching campaigns to fight xenophobia and misinformation.

Taking notes from them, youth rather than resorting to fear or panic can provide a more impactful response: informing themselves and helping others. To add on their efforts and do your part, here are a few steps which youth can take:

• Stay informed and ensure others do too.

As fear spreads faster than facts, inform yourself about the virus. Deepen your knowledge and point others to not trust every information they receive, read, or see. This is helpful in debunking myths and builds resilience in your community.

Not sure where to start? The World Economic Forum has a continuously updated platform for information on the crisis, with insights from the World Health Organization (WHO) and its global network of experts.

If you or your group of friends want to take action, enroll in the WHO’s open online course that provides a general introduction to COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and others. 

• Take action to keep your community safe.

When you’re young and healthy, your risk of developing a severe illness is comparatively lower. So consider those in your community who are most vulnerable, including older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or diabetes). Do your best to support them.

Encourage others to take precautions, including washing your hands regularly, maintaining a social distance from others, and staying home when you’re sick. Basic actions like this can help limit the virus’ spread and its impact on public health, society, and the economy.

Translate content into regional languages and complement online activity with direct outreach and measures.

• Speak up to ensure your organization does the right thing.

Organizations and employers play a big role in combating the virus. Encourage your office to take precautions: for example, ensure spaces are clean, hygienic and sanitized, promote regular hand-washing, test remote working and communicate clearly to employees.

There is no hierarchy to doing what’s right. You can be an influencer in your organization by passing on vetted business messages from the WHO, focusing on accuracy and relevance, and acting collectively. It is our responsibility to help others and build more resilient, inclusive and informed communities. Take action and encourage others to dos so.

Over to you

While we might not be doctors or healthcare workers but can take easy baby steps to reduce the burden on them by staying at home and still contributing and not sharing fake news or information that you might be not sure of.