NEWS FEATURE
Argentina
Army provides help during pandemic across Americas and Caribbean IHQ WITH a rapid acceleration of the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in North America, the World Health Organisation has warned that the USA could become the epicentre of the pandemic. The Salvation Army is maintaining services to vulnerable people across North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, as well as ramping up provision to meet the needs of those affected by the pandemic. ARGENTINA The Army has been continuing its social distancing assistance throughout the pandemic, taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of staff and service users. Young people in the Rosario neighbourhood of Santa Fe have been collecting non-perishable food. This has been distributed to families in need known to corps officers Captain David and Lieutenant Alicia Acosta. Sunday worship and women’s meetings, which would normally be held in corps halls, have temporarily moved to Facebook Live, to 10
Salvationist 11 April 2020
enable connectedness during the national quarantine period. Health education is proving important at the Army’s El Amparo and Betania Women’s Homes. Residents are being taught how to take care of themselves by using sanitiser gel and washing their hands as frequently as possible. BELIZE The Salvation Army is part of the National Emergency Management Organisation and is on standby to operate in a countrywide capacity as required by the authorities. To counter a shortage of hand sanitiser, the Army has installed temporary handwashing stations so that students in its schools have access to clean running water. Gloves, liquid soap, bleach and hygienic wipes have been stocked. The Movement’s food parcel distribution to elderly and vulnerable citizens continues, along with the twice-weekly distribution of bread to street dwellers. BRAZIL One officer in Joinville has been ‘clowning around’ to lift people’s spirits. Lieutenant
Brazil Paula Mendes says: ‘I can’t do much, but today I’ve decided to stand outside our Army building in my best clown costume, playing some music and displaying a sign saying: “Take care – we’re going to get through this.” I waved to people in cars and received some smiles. People need hope!’ CANADA Territorial Commander Commissioner Floyd Tidd thanked frontline workers at the Army’s Meighen Health Centre in Toronto, which has been closed to visitors in order to
