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Beginning in December 2019, residents of Wuhan, China began reporting respiratory illness from a previously unseen coronavirus. This coronavirus causes the disease that is now known as COVID-19.

COVID-19 has since become widespread, with outbreaks emerging in countries around the globe. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a pandemic and the U.S. has declared a public health emergency.

This situation is rapidly evolving and Fidelity Charitable will continue to update this article as we learn more.

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Beginning in December 2019, residents of Wuhan, China began reporting respiratory illness from a previously unseen coronavirus. This coronavirus causes the disease that is now known as COVID-19. COVID-19 has since become widespread, with outbreaks emerging in countries around the globe. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a pandemic and the U.S.

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We are working to identify the highest priority volunteer needs to help communities responding to COVID-19. We are partnering with state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits throughout the state who have unmet volunteer needs.

As we identify a high priority volunteer opportunity near you, we will pass your information along to our local partner, who will contact you to schedule a time to volunteer.

Please note that there may be an opportunity we identify near you, but that doesn't mean you can't pitch in. Please download our flyers with more information on how you can get involved today.

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We are working to identify the highest priority volunteer needs to help communities responding to COVID-19. We are partnering with state agencies, local governments, and nonprofits throughout the state who have unmet volunteer needs. As we identify a high priority volunteer opportunity near you, we will pass your information along to our local partner, who will contact you to schedule a time to volunteer.

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San Diego Food Bank Response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

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THE FOOD BANK'S PROGRAMS CONTINUE TO OPERATE DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS: The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank chapter are continuing our food distribution programs during the COVID-19 crisis. The Food Bank is committed to providing food assistance and resources to the 350,000 people we serve every month...

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Meals on Wheels San Diego County COVID-19 Updates and Information

Meals on Wheels San Diego County is concerned about what a significant outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in San Diego County could mean for the vulnerable seniors we serve. We are closely monitoring information and resources being shared by the experts in disease control and are putting prevention and response plans into place. We are acting very cautiously out of concern for the health of our volunteer, clients and client's family members.

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Meals on Wheels San Diego County COVID-19 Updates and Information Meals on Wheels San Diego County is concerned about what a significant outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in San Diego County could mean for the vulnerable seniors we serve.

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During this crisis, Father Joe's Villages will continue our essential programs and services for our neighbors desperately in need in the community, including emergency shelter, housing, meals, health care and more. By offering healthcare, nutritious meals and housing...

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Helping San Diego Homeless. Volunteer, Donate | Father Joe's Villages

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During this crisis, Father Joe's Villages will continue our essential programs and services for our neighbors desperately in need in the community, including emergency shelter, housing, meals, health care and more. By offering healthcare, nutritious meals and housing...

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Climate Change: The Beginning of the End of Fossil Fuels

The Paris Climate Accord was the greatest victory yet in efforts to fight climate change, a beautiful achievement of human unity, and our movement was the leading global public mobilisation engine to deliver it. Here's the story....

See more highlights

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The Paris Climate Accord was the greatest victory yet in efforts to fight climate change, a beautiful achievement of human unity, and our movement was the leading global public mobilisation engine to deliver it. Here's the story.... See more highlights

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Coronavirus, or COVID-19, doesn't care about national borders, and it's everyone's responsibility to take the actions we're able to in order to limit its spread. Join the movement by taking action here as part of our Together At Home campaign to learn about coronavirus and how to stay safe; call on world leaders to tackle it and help vaccine development; help protect refugees from COVID-19; and spread the news about the World Health Organizations's historic Solidarity Response Fund.
The spread of COVID-19, the novel strain of coronavirus, has officially reached pandemic proportions.

But, as highlighted by World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, during a press conferencein response: "We cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough. All countries can still change the course of this pandemic."

In the current crisis, many of us are feeling worried about what it might mean for ourselves and our loved ones. It's easy to feel helpless, but it's never been clearer that we're all Global Citizens, and there are actions we can all take to fight for a world with good health for all.

Global Citizen has launched a campaign, Together At Home, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), to support the fight against COVID-19, and we need your voice to call on world leaders to help solve this health crisis.

Here are five actions you can take right now.

Antonella Torchiaro, a doctor for INTERSOS Humanitarian Aid Organization, checks the temperature of man in a road unit placed at Rome's Termini station, March 25, 2020.
Image: Alessandra Tarantino/AP

1. Call on World Leaders to Step Up WHO Funding

We need your help to urge leaders of the G20 countries to ensure that the WHO has the financing it needs to respond to COVID-19 and to future health crises.

Responding to a health crisis on this scale requires every country to have a health infrastructure that can cope with the additional strain of treating patients and managing the spread of the virus.

Many countries have already taken action and responded to the outbreak with emergency funding. The UK has provided £46 million of UK aid to help find a vaccine to fight the disease, including a large contribution to the WHO. Canada announced a commitment of $1.1 billion in response to the outbreak, which included $275 million earmarked for research and vaccine development, and $50 million specifically set aside to help with response efforts globally. The US has also that it will spend up to $100 million to tackle the outbreak overseas.

Still, more funding is needed to protect those most at risk - including people in the poorest communities, unable to stop its spreading.

That's why Global Citizen is calling on world leaders to step up and commit additional funding to the WHO's response efforts. You can take action on this here.

2. Support the WHO's Solidarity Fund

In response to coronavirus, the WHO has launched a first-of-its-kind COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, powered by the UN Foundation and Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.

It's a historic fund that companies, foundations, and individuals can donate to in order to support the WHO's global response to the ongoing outbreak.

The fund is expected to attract millions of dollars in contributions from major companies, and will become the leading mechanism worldwide for businesses, philanthropies, and individuals to contribute, according to the WHO's statement.

The WHO has anticipated a need of $675 million through April alone for preparedness and response efforts. But as the outbreak evolves, funding needs are likely to increase.

Contributions to the fund will play a critical role in supporting global efforts, including tracking and understanding the spread of the virus, and ensuring patients get the care they need, while frontline workers get supplies and information.

Facebook is matching the first $10 million donated, so people are encouraged to donate during that time.

You can support by sharing news of the launch of the Solidarity Respond Fund on your social media, and by calling on your friends and family to donate to the fund.

Related Stories Bill Gates on Coronavirus: 5 Things World Leaders Must Do Right Away

3. Ask World Leaders to Support Urgent Vaccine Development

Global health crises like COVID-19 can be beaten - and vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in the fight.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is leading the global effort to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. CEPI was launched to help develop vaccines as fast as possible against global pandemics just like this, and it's in the unique position of being able to run multiple simultaneous trials around the world.

But it needs to be funded to carry out its vital work. In fact, CEPI needs $400 million by the end of March in order to move to the next phase of trials, and $2 billion to develop a full vaccine. You can help by taking action here, calling on the world's biggest economies to step up and commit urgent funding to CEPI.

4. Help Protect Refugees From COVID-19

Already living in over-crowded and unhygienic conditions in camps across Europe, refugees are particularly vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus - and they mustn't be forgotten in the relief effort.

You can join us by calling on the European Commission and EU governments to ensure steps are taken to protect refugees from COVID-19, including evacuating over-crowded refugee camps and providing safe accommodation; implementing necessary quarantine and protective measures against coronavirus; and providing access to medical care.

You can take sign the #LeaveNoOneBehind petition and tweet EU leaders urging them to take urgent action to protect refugees in Europe here.

5. Keep Healthy

The WHO and national health services have issued advice on how to help keep yourself and loved ones healthy, including committing to practicing good handwashing techniques and following social distancing rules.

As an individual, you can contribute to helping stop the spread of coronavirus by staying home if you're unwell and working from home if you can.

Action starts with learning the facts about the virus and the health measures we can take to keep ourselves safe - we can all better protect ourselves and those around us.

You can test your knowledge on the virus and learn how we can all be safe and responsible Global Citizens in the face of COVID-19 here.

Related Stories The World Health Organization Officially Declared Coronavirus a Pandemic

In recent weeks, the number of global cases of coronavirus has increased dramatically, and according to the WHO, the number of cases could continue to rise exponentially in the weeks and months ahead, which is why action now is so important.

The WHO is calling on countries to work together to limit the spread of the virus, including investing heavily in public health measures, and in sharing expertise, funding, and best practices with other countries.

Over the past decade, Global Citizen has campaigned in support of strengthening health systems around the world. That's because strong, resilient health systems are not only able to cope with outbreaks of disease, but they are also vital in preventing and mitigating the loss of life, social disruptions, and the devastating economic impact disease outbreaks can have on communities.

The only way to contain and prevent catastrophic outcomes is to invest in strengthening health systems everywhere, especially in the world's poorest countries.

"This is not just a public health crisis, it is a crisis that will touch every sector - so every sector and every individual must be involved in the fight," Dr. Tedros said.

You can learn more and start taking action on our Together At Home campaign page.

You can see all of Global Citizen's COVID-19 coverage here.
Related Stories

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Coronavirus: 5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help Fight COVID-19

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Coronavirus, or COVID-19, doesn't care about national borders, and it's everyone's responsibility to take the actions we're able to in order to limit its spread.

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Overview

The situation is changing rapidly. Please follow the daily situation reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). Updated statistics can be found via Johns Hopkins University.

In late December 2019 people in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China began to get sick with a type of pneumonia that had not been seen before, marking the beginning of a new infectious disease. This was later discovered to be a new type of coronavirus, a class of virus, that cause a wide variety of illnesses in mammals and birds. Respiratory infections are the most common type of infections caused by coronaviruses in humans. Coronaviruses are responsible for illnesses ranging in severity from the common cold through MERS and SARS in humans.

The International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses has selected the name severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to represent that it is a sister of the original SARS virus. The disease the virus causes has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On March 11, Dr. Tedros, the Director-General of the WHO, declared the outbreak a pandemic. In his remarks at a press briefing on March 18, he emphasized that every person who is showing symptoms should be tested, however a lack of kits means this is not happening within the U.S. and in some other countries.

CDP and its partners at Candid are tracking philanthropic donations to this outbreak. As of March 25, the total donations received stood at more than $2.9 billion. Read more about who is contributing here and learn more about how this compares to other disasters in this blog.
Key Dates

March 25, 2020: U.S. cases surpass 60,000, (50,000+ new cases since Friday) but lack of testing is still an issue so this remains a significant undercount.

March 25, 2020: Global death toll surpasses 20,000 (up more than 5,000 from March 23).

March 24, 2020: The International Olympic Committee postpones the Tokyo 2020 Olympics until 2021. This is the first time they have been postponed in peace time.

March 24, 2020: Worldwide cases top 400,000, only five days previously, the total had reached 200,000; 100,000 to 200,000 took 12 days. It took more than two months to grow from one case to 100,000.

March 11, 2020: The WHO declares the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

March 3, 2020: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the case fatality rate (CFR) is 3.4 percent. The CFR for seasonal flu is 0.1 percent.

Feb. 28, 2020: World Health Organization raises the global risk from high to very high.

Jan. 30, 2020: WHO declared COVID-19 a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern."

Jan. 30, 2020: A German study found that the virus can be spread when infected individuals are asymptomatic.

Jan. 17, 2020: The first case of apparent human-to-human transmission was identified and limited human-to-human transmission was confirmed by Jan. 20.

Jan. 9, 2020: WHO confirms that the cause of the respiratory infections was a novel, or emerging, coronavirus.

Dec. 30, 2019: Wuhan Municipal Health Committee issued an "urgent notice on the treatment of pneumonia of unknown cause."

Impact

As of the morning of March 25, there have been 451,355 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world according to Johns Hopkins University, an increase of almost 50,000 cases since Tuesday. Confirmed cases have been reported in 172 countries and regions across six continents. China has the highest number of cases at 81,661 with 3,285 deaths and 73,773 recovered patients. Italy is currently second, behind China and the United States third; one or both of these countries will likely pass China in the next 24 hours. Italy currently has 74,386 cases in total; 9,362 people have recovered and 7,503 have died (nearly 700 cases since yesterday). Currently in the U.S., 60,115 people have been infected (just shy of 10,000 more than yesterday). This number does not include the 46 people who tested positive from the Diamond Princess cruise ship or three Americans that were repatriated from Wuhan and tested positive. At least 849 people have died with 192 of those deaths occurring in NYC). In the U.S., 354 people are reported to have recovered, over 200 more since last Friday. Spain has the next highest number of cases at 47,610. They report that 5,367 people have recovered and there have been 3,434 deaths.

To be deemed "recovered," two negative tests have to be received. Testing and processing delays mean that this is not happening. The federal government, as well as state, local and tribal governments, have imposed travel bans as well as sweeping facility closures and bans on public gatherings.

While there are more than 170 other countries with cases, the highest number of cases in an individual country remains in China, however that country adds very few new cases per day. While some countries - especially those who have mandated extensive quarantines are also seeing slow growth - Italy and the United States are growing exponentially faster than China ever did at the height of its outbreak.

As of March 25, there have been 20,499 deaths which means more than 2,000 deaths occurred since yesterday. Italy has the highest number of deaths for an individual country at 7,503 while Mainland China has 3,285. This means that more than 84 percent of deaths have now occurred outside of Mainland China. More than 112,982 people are reported to have recovered which is approximately 25 percent of those who contracted the disease. COVID-19 is very virulent (spreads rapidly) and the WHO announced that it now appears to have a fatality rate of 3.4 percent (the flu in the U.S. is less than one percent). However, because of the length of recovery, the current case fatality rate based on reported data is 4.54 percent. As the disease spreads it will need to be determined whether this rate remains or decreases as more knowledge about COVID-19 emerges.

Critical Needs

As this disease continues to spread across the world and emerge in new countries, the number of responding organizations continues to grow as well. Funders should consider:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical equipment. There is a world-wide shortage of PPE but it is gradually improving as more manufacturers step up their capacity. Many public health, low-income and other clinics will not have the ability to make significant capital purchases of masks, gowns, gloves and other essential personal protective equipment and even well-funded hospitals are short on supplies. These items will help prevent the infection of essential medical staff who are at increased risk because of their close contact with people who may be infected. There are also clinics and hospitals in need of equipment that can be used for diagnostics, such as CT scans, portable x-ray machines, portable dialysis machines etc.

Quarantined individuals. The use of quarantines is crucial to helping control the spread of any infectious disease, including COVID-19. However, extended quarantine times can be very difficult for the people who are quarantined. They are unable to go to work, go shopping for necessities, attend social functions or even see their families in some cases. Anything that can help make quarantine a little more bearable and mitigate the effects of social isolation (such as reduced income and increased mental health challenges) for people makes it more likely they will keep themselves quarantined for the appropriate amount of time. This includes supporting them once the quarantine is over, especially if they lost income, housing or employment.

Pre-existing health needs. As we learn more about the disease it has become clear that people without access to regular medical care are more prone to have existing medical needs that make them more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. This includes people with uncontrolled diabetes, people with high blood pressure, people with chronic lung issues/asthma/smokers and people with other health issues. It is critical that these pre-existing illnesses continue to be treated to help minimize the impact of COVID-19.

Small businesses. Economic recovery is often overlooked in the midst of a crisis but in the long run, supporting small businesses will help a community recover faster. Ninety percent of small businesses closed for more than five days after a disaster fail within one year. It is important to support them now. This can be done through interest free loans, pre-paying for services, hiring or funding remote workers.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Good WASH practices are key to limiting the spread of any infection, especially those that are spread by close contact. Increasing access to WASH resources will help limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other infections. This includes providing toilets and hand washing stations in public areas or providing running water where there is none.

Research into SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19/testing capacity. While much is known about coronaviruses in general, this virus is new to infecting humans. Significant research into vaccines and antivirals will be needed in order to achieve breakthroughs that may help save lives. It will also be important to ensure that vaccines and antivirals are accessible to even the poorest countries and not amassed by wealthier nations. Additionally, many countries and communities are struggling with testing capacity - both accessing enough tests and the lab capacity to process them.

How to Help

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) has a COVID-19 Response Fund that provides an opportunity for donors to meet the ongoing and ever-expanding challenges presented by this virus.

Plan your giving in response to COVID-19. Don't just react to the latest media report. Research the facts and the organizations that are responding. There is a lot of misinformation being circulated. The WHO and the CDC COVID-19 websites are recommended sources of timely, reliable information. CDP works to stay updated on who is responding and is happy to discuss needs with responding funders.

There are going to be multiple phases and needs in this crisis - the medical response situation, support for research and assisting vulnerable people who have been impacted. Match your giving to one of these areas or decide how you will transition funds as needs change.

You may want to allocate your giving in a few ways:

1. Give to Funds: Not everyone is an expert or has time to invest in researching the many organizations that are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. By donating to a fund, you can pool your donation with other donors to have a more impact. Let the grants management experts conduct the research and due diligence to find the best organizations. In addition to our own COVID-19 Response Fund, CDP is aware of many large international funds or funds responding on a broad level. There are also hundreds of community foundations around the country. It is likely that as the virus travels and more communities are affected, community foundations will develop their own COVID-19 response funds. We encourage you to find the community foundation in your area or look at the list on the Council on Foundations resources page (CoF). If you are a responding community foundation, please contact CoF to get listed.

2. Local NGOs: As with all disasters, this epidemic is going to start and end locally. Think about the local NGOs that you already support in the areas of housing/homelessness, healthcare, nutrition/food support, mental health, domestic violence, care for seniors etc. There is going to be an increased need for their services during and after this outbreak. They need flexible, unrestricted funds that can provide additional dollars to deal with this epidemic. Remember your local NGOs will also have lost income through fee-for-service revenue or fundraising events, even if they aren't working in a direct service area supporting COVID-19 response.

3. Give internationally: This is an ongoing, international epidemic. While there are countries that do have resources, many countries do not have the resources of U.S.-based organizations. They are also harder to give to, so look for the large international funds or organizations that already have a presence and are working in these countries.

4. Support medical needs: Some of the biggest demands are for personal protective equipment (PPE) and for supplies such as ventilators, CT/x-ray machines etc. Smaller hospitals may not have these resources and risk being very vulnerable to an outbreak. This is a great time for a capital needs investment in your local community hospital. There is also going to be a need for virtual training, testing sites and quarantine facilities, both internationally and domestically. Connect with your health care system directly or through a medically-servicing NGO. Medical needs will also include quarantine facilities, rapid testing and mobile testing.

5. Fund mental health: Already we are seeing increases in instances of depression, anxiety and mental health issues. It is important to invest in supporting programs providing mental health, bereavement and grief counseling. It is likely that as people struggle with job loss, economic challenges, domestic violence, illness and death of family members or friends, that these will lead to even larger mental health issues including suicide and severe depression.

6. Support vulnerable populations: We know that this disease impacts the elderly quite hard. Look to your local seniors' services organizations and see what support is needed. People with pre-existing illnesses - including diabetes and high blood pressure - are also at high risk. These illnesses are very common among inner city residents, Native Americans and African Americans. Think about which organizations are already supporting home-bound populations or supporting people's access to flu shots, medications, medical travel. Also consider how social distancing or quarantines will impact low-income earners (including hospitality, tourism and travel workers) as well as people who are isolated or have a disability. Who is providing support for people with disabilities in your community and what emergent needs do they have?

7. Expand existing giving: Reach out to your existing grantees to see how the crisis has affected them. Consider issuing some additional funding to help them meet the latest needs of their clients. Or change their reporting requirements, deadlines and expectations to allow them to redirect funds. Pay their rent during shutdown or cover staff salaries.

8. Support localization: Local knowledge is important. As this disease spreads, understanding cultures and community needs will be critical. Allow local leaders and organizations on-the-ground to develop the programming as needs arise.

It is also important that funders advocate for small businesses, nonprofits and individuals who are impacted by the pandemic. This includes encouraging the corporate sector to change their PTO policies to extend sick leave benefits. It can also include policies that mandate no evictions or utility shutoffs (including phone and internet) during a quarantine or no reduction in hours. It also includes encouraging governments to enact policies to prevent loss of housing or to provide income or nutritional supports. The nonprofit sector is often left out of disaster relief bills and stimulus packages. There is a strong campaign to ensure they are protected and funders' voices are needed.

CDP has also created a   list of suggestions   for foundations to consider related to disaster giving.

CDP is hosting a webinar, COVID-19: Past Epidemics and Vulnerability - Lessons for Funders Today on Thursday, March 26 at 2 p.m. ET.
We welcome republication of our content. Please credit the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
Contact

If you are a responding NGO or a donor, please send updates on how you are working in this crisis to   tanya.gulliver-garcia@disasterphilanthropy.org.

If you are a donor looking for recommendations on how to help in this crisis, please email regine.webster@disasterphilanthropy.org.

or look at the Note: If you are an individual affected by this disaster, we encourage you to contact your local 211 to see what resources are available in your community 2-1-1 COVID-19 Resources Page.

Learn More
Philanthropy Resources Understanding the Numbers and Transmission CDC/WHO Resources Vulnerable Populations and Racism Featured image: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority continues to implement precautions in response to the novel coronavirus. (Source: Andrew Cashin/MTA New York City Transit; CC BY 2.0) We welcome republication of our content. Please credit the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

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COVID-19 Coronavirus - Center for Disaster Philanthropy

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Overview The situation is changing rapidly. Please follow the daily situation reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). Updated statistics can be found via Johns Hopkins University. In late December 2019 people in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China began to get sick with a type of pneumonia that had not been seen before, ...