In an expression of solidarity with the nations affected by the novel coronavirus, Brazil's famous Chirst the Redeemer statue lit up with flags of the countries that were affected with the COVID-19 pandemic, Wednesday.
Aside from the flags, the statue also projected the message "#praytogether" translated in different languages,
Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio dde Janeiro also held a mass at the site of the famous Brazilian landmark, where he relayed the church's message and encouraged people all over the world to pray, especially for those who are sick.
Brazil orders closure on Tourist sites
On March 27, the number of cases in Brazil has risen to 261 since the first case in the country was reported in March 17.
Despite the hopeful display by the 125-foot-tall statue last Wednesday, it is also succumbing to the pandemic, as it was closed by the end of Tuesday and will not be open for at least a week. This is in adherence to the orders of Brazil's Chico Mendes Institute to close all national parks and tourist spots to control the spread and the looming threat of the outbreak.
As each day passes with the coronavirus still out there, Rio seems less marvelous. On Monday, recordings were blaring from firemen who urged the beach goers to stay home. The following day, Rio's Governor Wilson Witzel placed the country under a state of emergency.
On top of this, Witzel also recommended that bars and restaurants limit their capacity to 30% for at least 15 days. It was also recommended that boats and buses reduce their passenger loads by half, the closure of shopping malls, public beaches and pools. The decree also suspended mass gatherings including classes.
After the declaration of states of emergency in Rio and Sao Paolo, public transportation was reduced and the public was warned to take social distancing seriously to avoid further spread of the virus. Cultural and sporting events have also already been canceled and companies have been encourage to allow their employees to work from home.
Solidarity Amid the Pandemic
Aside from the lighting of the Christ the Redeemer statue, there have been several gestures of solidarity that has been going on around the world in the midst of the outbreak.
In Italy, people who have been in lock down have taken it to their balconies to cheer up each other and remind people that they are not alone in facing this tragedy, through singing songs and playing instruments. Children whose classes have been canceled have also drawn rainbows on their windows to symbolize hope.
Celebrities have also used the power of social media in order to bring hope to the world amid the outbreak. Wonder woman Gal Gadot has enlisted the help of other stars including "The Hulk" Mark Ruffalo to sing a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine," to remind everyone that amid this crisis the world should be as one.
View this post on InstagramWe are in this together, we will get through it together. Let’s imagine together. Sing with us All love to you, from me and my dear friends. #WeAreOne ....... #KristenWiig #JamieDornan @labrinth @james_marsden @sarahkatesilverman @eddiebenjamin @jimmyfallon @natalieportman @zoeisabellakravitz @siamusic @reallyndacarter @amyadams @leslieodomjr @pascalispunk @chrisodowd @hotpatooties #WillFerrell @markruffalo @norahjones @ashleybenson @kaiagerber @caradelevingne @anniemumolo @princesstagramslam A post shared by Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot) on Mar 18, 2020 at 4:49pm PDT
The number of coronavirus infections all over the world has already risen to more than 218,000 and there are already millions that are placed under lockdown and community quarantine.
