COVID-19 is making headlines. Many countries have implemented stay-at-home orders, closed their borders and some even have implemented nationwide quarantines, such as Italy. 

During the time in which a global pandemic has taken at least 150,000 lives and has infected at least 2 million people, some are finding ways to stay in good spirits despite conditions. 

Balcony concerts 

In countries all over Europe, merry singing can be heard from the deserted streets. Residents hold homemade concerts by singing songs from their balconies, and others smashing pots and pans to maintain the rhythm. To watch a balcony concert in Italy, click here.

Six feet distance taken literally

Staying away from others at least six feet apart is one of the main methods people are urged to use in order to prevent getting the virus. However, to visualize this distance in everyday situations sometimes proves hard to do. The Mercado Testaccio in Rome got a visitor with a creative and humorful way of making sure he was socially distancing: He strapped a cardboard circle around his stomach that had a radius of six feet, and a smile that seemed just as wide. 

Streamed concerts

Despite the national lockdown, music fans have the opportunity to listen to free mini-concerts of their favorite artists. Some singers performed concerts via live streams on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For a list of what artists are singing and when, click here. John Legend fans could hear him for almost an hour, and even got the chance to pick what songs he would sing. On April 18, the global digital and broadcast special “One World: Together at Home,” launched. The multi-hour special was held in support of healthcare workers.

COVID-19 songs, howls and videos

COVID-19 has officially made it into the music world. People have a wide selection of songs to choose from. It varies from the TikTok sensation “It’s Corona Time” (390,000 people have used the song according to the Los Angeles Times), to “My Corona Home,” or “Hey there Corona” on Youtube. On Spotify, listeners have the choice of over 400 songs in the “Sounds of the virus” playlist. There are various TikTok clips tailored towards COVID-19, ranging from making fun of toilet-paper hoarding to online-school jokes. Others partake in the nightly 8:00 p.m. howl. Some Americans have started the howl for various reasons – to support healthcare workers or to feel less isolated.

Hungry Hippos

The Bryn Celyn Care Home in Wales hosted a live game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. Residents, who are on lockdown, played the game with makeshift crocodile mouths made out of boxes taped to brooms.  

On a finishing note, it is important to mention that people should not make light of this serious and sometimes tragic situation. Rather, it is crucial for citizens to take a second and find joy through community even in the most difficult of times.