Compass
As I write this, the majority of the world is in isolation; the pandemic of COVID-19 has forced us indoors and away from each other.
For the Vatican and the City of Rome, Holy Week has been strikingly different this year. The bustling crowds that usually fill St. Peter’s Square have been absent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite the absence of visitors, the Pope will still celebrate all Holy Week services, albeit without an audience. While the Vatican’s offices remain open, strict social distancing measures are in place, even as confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported. Voice of America reporter Sabina Castelfranco has been on the ground, covering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Italy and the Vatican. Joining us from Rome, Sabina provides exclusive insights into the current situation. In this report, Sabina explains why Italy became the first European country severely affected by COVID-19 and how the virus spread so rapidly. She also sheds light on the measures being taken to protect Pope Francis after members of the Vatican tested [...]
Coronavirus knows no boundaries, and the virus has severely impacted the Netherlands. Known for its fields of tulips and iconic windmills, Holland is a beautiful country that no one can fully enjoy these days. wooden bridge in Holland We speak with Holland resident Merijn Martens about the profound impact of COVID-19 on his country and his family. Merijn shares how people are coping, including the heartbreaking reality that his parents have not been able to hold his 4-week-old newborn. He also shares a touching story about teddy bears popping up along neighborhood streets, bringing smiles and a sense of community during these challenging times. For more updates and stories, subscribe to our channel and newsletter at World Footprints. Call to Action: Subscribe to our channel and newsletter at World Footprints. Follow @WorldFootprints on Instagram and all social media platforms. Hashtags: #COVID19Netherlands #MerijnMartens #WorldFootprints #StayHome #CoronavirusImpact #HollandStories #TravelNews #CommunitySupport [...]
I left home without looking over my shoulder. I quit my job, packed my apartment, and bid home farewell in a whirl of excitement and spontaneity.
Even an island paradise is not immune to the coronavirus as we learned from San Juan Islands' Barbara Marrett. But the virus has not significantly impacted the San Juan Islands despite the islands proximity to Seattle, Washington – a coronavirus cluster.
The COVID-19 virus reached the African nations slower than other continents, but South Africa has since taken significant steps to combat its spread, including a nationwide lockdown.
Ireland was quick to respond to the coronavirus situation. While many world leaders were waiting to “see what happens”, social gatherings were banned and even the pubs were closed.
In this video, join Kellie Paxian as she shares her experience of traveling internationally from Cape Town to Vancouver during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kellie managed to leave South Africa just before the country went into lockdown, and she joins World Footprints to discuss her journey and the contrasting approaches to the pandemic in Cape Town and Vancouver.
Japan has been in the news frequently regarding its battle with the coronavirus, culminating in the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games. But what is really happening in Japan? How do the Japanese feel about all the recent events?
From the U.K. to the beaches of Uruguay, people around the world are coming together despite being mandated to stay apart.
f there is a bright side to this pandemic, it’s that it’s forced us to slow down. To spend more time with loved ones, to learn how to adapt to challenging and changing circumstances, and to observe how powerful collective action really is. And that forced slow down has made Mother Nature a little happier!
...we’re connecting with Sven Parthie, a massage therapist and life coach with a focus on Stress Management, who lives in Brussels, Belgium. Sven will share how the impact of COVID-19 is being felt in Brussels and some of the creative ways Belgians are coping with the pandemic. He’ll also share some helpful tips on how to manage stress during these trying times.














