Celebrities inspire hope in spite of the global pandemic

Read Time:5 Minute, 13 Second

by Gillian Stewart and Nathania Mullings

**SELF-ISOLATING:** Singer-Songwriter Niall Horan sings “Slow Hands” during his virtual concert as part of the singer’s Instagram series Together at Home. Celebrities have created Live chats and streaming concerts to promote self-quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. *Courtesy of Instagram*

Since the beginning of January, the world has faced an epidemic that is affecting each nation one by one. Many have become victims of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has spread across the globe rapidly. Although this life-threatening disease has made individuals extremely frightened and concerned, people have made it a mission to help others that feel frantic and scared of the future of the pandemic. Celebrities have used their platforms to share positivity to comfort those feeling hopeless during the COVID-19 crisis. People can now feel a sense of normalcy while facing what is to come of this pandemic.

The deadly COVID-19 is an airborne disease, which has resulted in over 235,000 deaths globally as of April 30, that first appeared first in Wuhan, China during December 2019. The United States alone has confirmed 1.13 million cases of COVID-19 and 65,245 fatalities. The symptoms include dry coughing, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throats, diarrhea, unknown loss of taste and smell, and headaches. In the midst of this devastating crisis, the use of social media platforms is making something that could never be done in the past. It is giving artists and celebrities the chance to connect with their audience. This connection with their audience ranges from hosting live virtual concerts to giving money or supplies to those who need it. While the infectious disease came out of nowhere and the uncertainty of tomorrow, the comfort of knowing that we are all in this together can make all the difference.

“COVID-19 has really impacted households around the world,” parent Solange Narcisse said. “My daughters Jasmeen and Vanya have to stay home now to prevent any contact with people with the condition. It is sad to see Jasmeen not experiencing her senior year to the fullest. I hope that soon doctors will find a cure that will bring calm to the world again.”

In the hope to spread positivity, celebrities have put together different activities for their fans to watch. A vast amount of the most known artists have taken to the app Instagram to share their music internationally. Artists such as Rihanna, Torey Lanez and Mariah Carey are hosting free virtual concerts to live video chats. For instance, singers like Niall Horan and Liam Payne have Together At Home: WHO Global Citizens Solidarity Sessions. The live sessions consist of many famous artists such as the former One Direction members to put on virtual calls where they perform songs for 30 minutes, invite fans on the call and answer questions the audience has wanted to know.

“I used to listen to One Direction all the time in middle school,” said senior Jayla Clay. “I watched Niall’s live show that night and then he brought Liam into the call, which was exciting. I’ve noticed a lot of old bands have reunited on Zoom and Instagram calls, so it gets everyone more excited and helps them forget about the lockdown.”

Along with Instagram, popular apps like Snapchat and Tik Tok are allowing artists and public figures the chance to connect with their audience despite the pandemic. Public figures like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian have posted washing hand videos and benefits to quarantine on their Snapchat stories. Along with this, actors Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner had hosted a story reading for children on their Instagram stories. This gives fans a sense of familiarity in contrast to the COVID-19 crisis.

“The celebrities that I’ve seen promoting positivity on their page and performing for their fans have been Jennifer Garner,” said sophomore Romaisa Siddiqui. “ I liked it when she and a couple of other celebrities who made a video reading to children who may have been dealing with the disease, or Justin Bieber and Donatella Versace who have donated to charities concerning the virus.”

**GIVING BACK:** Singer Halsey posts her donating 100,000 masks to multiple southern California hospitals to protect the staff meeting COVID-19 patients. Many celebrities have donated medical supplies and/or money to help people encountering the deadly virus every day. *Courtesy of Instagram*

Not only are celebrities connecting with their audience by performing, but they are also donating some of their wealth to charity. Many have decided to donate medical supplies such as Sandra Bullock who has donated masks to the cause. Also, singer Halsey has successfully donated 100,000 FDA-approved three-ply face masks to various southern California hospitals. Though some do not have access to the correct supplies to combat the pandemic, certain celebrities resort to donating as much money as they can to help find the supplies needed. Rapper Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, and singers Pink and Rihanna have donated $1 million to the COVID-19 relief effort.

“I like seeing the people I admire to try to support those in need,” said Senior Tiffany Botia. “There is a very large number of people who cannot provide for themselves during this global crisis. We need to band together because it is the only way we will be able to get past this tragic time.”

For now, it is unknown to society when lives will go back to normal. The best thing to do right now is to keep following the protocols of social distancing and having a good hygiene routine. Those said to be well-known are taking the first steps to decrease the rapid numbers of COVID-19 victims. Celebrities are making an effort to lead others to the path of living a better and safer life.

“The fact that celebrities are taking time out of their days just to brighten someone else’s day gives people the feeling of not being alone,” said sophomore Michelle Bustos People need to be comforted during this dark time and celebrities such as Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Tom Hanks are bringing awareness to the severity of the issue.”