Papa E

As you’re probably aware, the coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, has now been found in countries all over the globe. This is an understandably disconcerting moment for many, but there are steps we can all take to help mitigate the effect on our communities.

COVID-19 is spreading, but misinformation and disinformation are spreading even faster. The most responsible thing you can do is protect yourself from both the disease and false information. Being prepared with facts and data instead of assumptions and fabrications will help inform how you can best prepare for COVID-19.

Here are some resources you can trust:

WHO provides daily updates surrounding COVID-19’s spread, infection rate, and general influence on our society. Their latest update given on March 3, 2020, details that there is a shortage of personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals. They also provide a very handy FAQ section, where you can learn more about how to protect yourself and your community. 

Every day Worldometer updates its website with the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in each country that has been affected. Worldometer has been rated one of the best free reference websites by the American Library Association, and for good reason: it lists every single one of its regular sources here, and lists the source of every COVID-19 update at the bottom of the COVID-19 page. 

Your local health department will often have the most up-to-date information specific to your immediate area, including how to proceed if you believe you may be showing symptoms of the virus. If you live in the United States, you can find the contact information for your health department by visiting the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

There’s another thing about this news that a lot of places are not talking about: the toll on one’s mental health, especially if you are someone who struggles with anxiety. If you find your concerns about being prepared are crossing a line that affects your mental health, please consider reaching out to a loved one who can guide you to help, a mental health professional, or an organization set up to help those in need.

Here are a couple of organizations you can trust:

Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support. Just text 741741 from anywhere in the United States. The Crisis Text Line will connect you with a trained Crisis Counselor. 

National Alliance on Mental Health (@namiorg) offers free support and resources for those who are struggling. NAMI can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am - 6 pm EST at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or by email at [email protected].

Take care of yourselves, Tumblr. Wash your hands well, practice keeping a safe distance from others, only wear a mask if you believe you are sick with COVID-19 symptoms and could infect others (or are immunocompromised yourself), and remember to fact check everything that you see. Head on over to @world-wide-what for a refresher on what fake news looks like and how it spreads. Pass those tips onto others when you see them accidentally spreading false information. 

Andy Dixon - Expensive Painting (The Banquet), 2016 

Agnes Goodsir (1864-1939)

Agnes Goodsir was an Australian artist who was recognised primarily for the portraits she created in Paris. Goodsir first began her artistic education in 1898, at the Bendigo School of Mines and Industries. While she was born into a well-to-do family, she sold much of her art during her year of study to help fund her trip to Paris, France. Her studies continued there, as Goodsir attended art schools such as Académie Julian, Académie Colarossi, and the “cutting-edge” Académie Delécluse. She was very highly regarded there, so much that she became the second Australian woman to be sent membership to the Salon Nationale des Beaux-Arts.

Goodsir was involved in the lesbian circles recognised in Paris during the 1920’s and 30’s. It was during this time her most well-known creations were conceived. Her partner, Rachel Dunn, was subject matter to many of these, such as Girl with Cigarette (1925). Her paintings would often include oriental influences, which was becoming increasingly popular in Paris at that time.

Goodsir enjoyed the French bohemian lifestyle up until her death, in 1939. While she was a recognised name in France, she was little-known in Australia. After her death she was almost completely forgotten and would have remained so if not for Dunn. Thanks to her, around 40 of Goodsir’s works were sent back to her family in Australia and multiple galleries.