We're all in need of an antidote to the bad news as we spend another week coping with coronavirus restrictions. Here, Claire Monahan shares six stories from around the world that will help you see the brighter side of life this week.
Baby survives virus in Thailand
A one-month-old baby has become Thailand's youngest survivor of Covid-19. Baby Phakin contracted the virus from his parents and was treated at a hospital specialising in infectious diseases.
While there, Phakin was a popular patient who was described as being 'strong, cheerful, nice and plump’. He has now been discharged from the hospital and taken home by his parents, who have both recovered from the virus. Courtesy of @ThaigerNews on Twitter.
Baby becomes youngest Covid-19 patient to recover in Thailand - more at https://t.co/jQqjCZuhid #Thailand
— The Thaiger (@ThaigerNews) April 23, 2020
As of 10.45am today, Thailand has a reported 2,826 Covid-19 cases. 2,352, or 83% of those have recovered and been discharged from hospital.
Today we can add one more t... pic.twitter.com/6QP0NvmJZX
March of the Penguins
Three African penguins made the most of lockdown by exploring the suburban streets of Simon's Town in South Africa. The penguins, who normally reside in a nearby colony were afforded the opportunity by their rangers, who ensured they stayed safe on their stroll. Courtesy of SANCCOB saves seabirds on Facebook.
Bride and Zoom
New York couples whose hopes of a wedding were dashed by the coronavirus have been given the green light to get married remotely. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that while marriage bureaus are closed, state clerks can perform marriage ceremonies over video conferencing platforms like Zoom and FaceTime. New Yorkers can also have their marriage licences granted remotely, allowing couples to say 'I do' despite the lockdown. Courtesy of @NYGovCuomo on Twitter.
NEW: I am issuing an Executive Order allowing New Yorkers to obtain a marriage license remotely and allowing clerks to perform ceremonies via video conference.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 18, 2020
Room with a view
A Facebook group has been set up to connect people who are staying at home, all over the world. 'View from my Window' encourages members to post photos of the views they see every day and to date, almost two million people have signed up to the group.
Organisers hope to showcase the photos in a travelling exhibition once the pandemic comes to an end, with all proceeds going to good causes. Courtesy of Bjørn Olav Nordahl via View from my Window on Facebook.
Dancing for Dan in Tonevane
A garda has gone above and beyond to help residents of Tonevane in Co. Kerry with their fundraising efforts. Tralee community garda Mary Gardiner helped locals recreate the video to Peter Kay's version of Tony Christie's hit song, 'Is this the way to Amarillo’.
The video is in aid of Irish hospitals and the 'Do it for Dan’ campaign and has been a huge hit since it was posted on social media in recent days. Courtesy of @gardainfo on Twitter.
We just never know what we will get involved in while on duty.
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) April 25, 2020
Tralee Community Garda Mary Gardiner giving the Tonevane Residents a dig out raising money for hospitals as part of #FormalFriday & for the charity #DoitForDan#SocialDistancing Entertainment at it's best! pic.twitter.com/0SaHddwxBg
The Daily Pause
A happiness movement in the UK has launched a campaign to help us stay calm during the coronavirus crisis. 'The Daily Pause' campaign encourages us to take two minutes at 8am every morning to breathe deeply and connect to the present moment.
Founders say that this simple practice will help us to let go of frustration and anger and reboot the mind before we start our day. Courtesy of @actionhappiness on Twitter.
Stop & Breathe. Be a human being (not a human doing)
— Action for Happiness (@actionhappiness) April 21, 2020
Join our Daily Pause and take a moment to look after your mental health in these challenging times https://t.co/PRcOqK4IBe #DailyPause pic.twitter.com/TWEWndrI23
- Written by Claire Monahan.