Grab and Go New York
(Photo : Twitter)



The coronavirus pandemic has swept through nations, infecting over 420,000 over the course of three months. However, several communities have banded together in a bid to help those in need during the crisis.

In many states such as Central Florida and New York, numerous school districts have set up a Grab-and-Go Program which aims to provide free meals to students ages 18 and below. All students are eligible to receive two free meals and a snack.

School districts in New York are offering plenty of food options for students such as pretzels, PB&J sandwiches, hummus, apples and more. The program was set up by New York Mayor Bill de Blasio to address the fact that thousands of public school students depend on free meals offered at school.

In Orange County, students will be served free meals from 10 AM until 2 PM at one of the 50 designated schools. Authorities said no child will be refused a meal.

Authorities in Florida also launched a website where families can find the closest school that offers grab-and-go meals. They also clarified families can go to any pickup site.

The Grab-and-Go option is available in 8 counties in Florida: Lake County, Flagler County, Orange County, Osceola County, Polk County, Sumter County, Seminole County, and Volusia County.

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Healthcare workers all over the world are reusing masks and personal protective equipment due to a supply shortage as the coronavirus ramps up.

While the government has pushed manufacturers to produce large quantities of medical equipment, some businesses and individuals have taken it upon themselves to sew face masks for medical professionals.

In South Carolina, fashion designer Briana Danyele, who originally lives in Italy, has turned the garage of her home in Greer into a mini sewing factory. The masks are embroidered with the message "We Got This!"

American Bill Purdue, who makes a living on waterproofing basements, spent days sewing face masks in his friend's upholstery shop in Washington.

Other countries also followed suit. In Spain, nuns and members of the Spanish Air Force have joined the cause, making around 500 masks a day.

In Belgium, a woman with only 20% of normal lung capacity decided to sew face masks for caregivers after one of her own helpers said they paid 10 euros for one mask. Her Facebook page rallied other Belgian mask makers, successfully producing 5,300 in a week.

Belgian medical authorities who took notice of her efforts approved her design and advised her on materials best suited for masks.

The movement sparked after health officials posted a how-to video in hopes it could help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms for most. For some, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or of old age, the virus causes more severe illness, including pneumonia. A vast majority recovers, while some succumb to the illness.