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Parul Grosh , Source: Parul Grosh / Helsingborg City Facebook page

Helsingborg volunteer spreads positivity amid the coronavirus scare

Helsingborg volunteer spreads positivity amid the coronavirus scare

Parul Grosh uses her website to disseminate information about the pandemic and how people can help

Being an expat in Sweden, with its 1439 confirmed cases and 11 deaths (as of Friday), can hardly be easy-breezy amid the coronavirus pandemic, especially given the trend of infection spreading beyond the country’s big cities. Infodemic, a coinage denoting the bad news overload carried by media channels, adds to the widespread anxiety, depression and feeling of helplessness.

But there are people convinced that negativity can take a greater toll than the virus itself, and Parul Grosh is one of them. The young woman runs the site This is HBG, which helps English-speaking Helsingborg residents navigate the city. But right now she mainly uses the platform to disseminate information about the Covid-19 pandemic and how people can help.

Throughout this period, I have learned that fear and panic right now seem more dangerous than the virus itself. On the other hand, companies have been affected globally, and I think in particular of small local companies that may know the most. So I felt that there is a need to spread some positivity in the midst of all the chaos,” says Grosh, quoted by the Helsingborg City Facebook page.

I read something on the Helsingborg City page: If you know that you will buy something from a local store in the future, why not buy it now? If you are at home, take a break and order some food. This way we can support the local companies,” she reiterates.

And for those who feel worried or desperate, she has a tried and trusted piece of advice: Read the official channels to keep up to date. Stay busy, build a routine at home. And share stories of positivity with others.

Safeguard measures in Sweden

Unlike most other EU states, Sweden is still hesitant to take draconian measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus. On 12 March, the Swedish government restricted public gatherings and events involving more than 500 people.

Acting on governmental recommendations, from 18 March, Helsingborg City's upper secondary schools, universities and vocational colleges will carry out teaching at a distance. As of March 19, authorities have put a stop on all unnecessary trips to Sweden from countries outside the EU for 30 days. 

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