The worldwide pandemic of COVID 19 is affecting us all. It’s weird to even think and talk about a global pandemic in 2020, it feels like something that might’ve happened in the past, something archaic we’re all over with. This would never happen now. Except it’s happening right now and it’s spreading faster with every day. This makes people panic and react in various ways.
At first, we saw some initial fear and racism directed towards China, where this virus first showed up. People would try to avoid the Chinese and anyone who looked Asian for that matter, even if they’ve never actually been to China. Then the biggest outbreak happened in Italy and now we’re all dealing with it. But it seems like humanity is winning. Instead of reacting with fear and anger as some did initially people are acting more compassionate than ever, trying to help each other and support one another the best they can.
We’ve seen people in China worn their neighbours and whole buildings go on self-isolation for weeks just to try and contain it. We’ve seen Italians singing on their balconies to cheer each other up and keep their spirits high while the country is on lockdown. We’ve seen younger citizens (who are less likely to suffer complications) offer to shop for older neighbours so that those more at risk wouldn’t have to go out and risk getting infected.
And while Europe is facing a shortage of hand-sanitizer we’re now seeing luxury conglomerates step in and do their best to help. LVMH, a French multinational corporation that specialises in luxury goods is switching gears and using their facilities to make sanitiser and alcohol-gels. Their factories that previously made perfumes for Dior, Givenchy and Guerlain will now be used to make anti-bacterial hand sanitizers, which will then be distributed free of charge to hospitals and medical facilities.
LVMH, the owners of Louis Vuitton, under the leadership of Bernard Arnault has made an official statement saying “LVMH will use the production lines of its perfume and cosmetic brands… to produce large quantities of hydroalcoholic gels from Monday. These gels will be delivered free of charge to the health authorities.LVMH will continue to honour this commitment for as long as necessary, in connection with the French health authorities.”
So while it might sound a bit surreal and funny that as soon as next week Louis Vuitton hand sanitizers will be available in France free of charge – it’s ultimately heartwarming to see people come together in order to overcome this pandemic any way they can.