Are you giving care and comfort – ‘in the time of virus’?

It is a time of intense fear, confusion and uncertainty. The threat of coronavirus is closing down schools, conferences, offices and meetings, and many other places where people congregate. At this point, this is the wise – and unselfish – thing to do. But let’s make sure the fear is not preventing us from giving necessary aid to each other. Connection, not isolation, is essential and now more than ever it’s important to offer practical care to our neighbors. In fact, small kindnesses may be the best antidote to fear right now – and there is definitely something you can do.

Inspiration from an Italian Cruise Captain

Captain Gennaro Arma was at the helm of the Diamond Princess, stuck at port in Japan for several weeks. Scores of passengers tested positive for the virus which resulted in cabin-quarantine for all passengers. The news in the outside world was all about the contagion, the isolation efforts and the multiple international consulates trying to aid and bring their citizens home.

What wasn’t known until after all passengers were removed was how meaningful the leadership was by Captain Arma. He was a strong, reassuring presence: calm, steady and inspirational. Ships are independent and self-sufficient floating villages, and the captain is the Mayor, Sheriff, Magistrate and, well, Big Cheese of everything at sea. He sets the course, on the water and in the atmosphere of the ship. So when Captain Arma establishes the example of how to face adversity with courage, patience, optimism and dignity, you better believe that people – staff and passengers – responded with calm and gratitude.

Not a vaccine, but an antidote nevertheless

Crew and guests called the Captain “a tireless rock,” “fearless,” “inspirational,” as he regularly thanked passengers for their perseverance – even leaving notes of encouragement while they were stuck in their cabins. “He never gave up.”

Reassuring care, comfort and simple kindnesses may not be a vaccine for the disease, but these qualities ARE an antidote to fear, isolation, anxiety and helplessness.

Captain Arma’s contributions have been hailed worldwide as a case study in outstanding leadership best practices, especially valuable ‘in the time of virus.’ Each of us can be a leader in care and comfort, so urgently needed now in our own communities. 

What are you giving to antidote fear? Some tips from Captain Arma:

• Lift spirits in your neighborhood: leave notes, flowers, even food on the welcome mat of self-quarantined neighbors.
• Share encouragement with coworkers and clients: regularly send kind messages to those quarantined or sick at home.
• Look out for the vulnerable: call your local senior living facilities and ask if anyone needs provisions or “extras” that show that the community outside cares for them too!
• Throw a party! Is anyone having a birthday, but can’t get out and celebrate? Bring the party to them – deliver balloons, cake and candles to their doorstep.