Terrassa’s local government is working on 4 lines of action. First of all, is acting and implementing actions to support the healthcare system, enabling hotels as hospitals but also as spaces for health personnel; secondly, is acting to minimize the economic impact by postponing some taxes, reducing the water rate during the second quarter and temporarily abolishing the payment for street parking; It is also acting on a social level, offering a great cultural and social offer available to residents, and last but not least, has finally launched a campaign against gender-based violence specific to this period.

I have been very positively surprised by some aspects that show the resilience of the city and its residents, such as the capacity for cooperation and rapid response to the same threat (COVID-19) where companies associate to develop products, volunteers who offer their experience of altruistic way

As a family initiative we have created some challenges, the smallest nieces began, creating short videos with challenges, imitations, etc ... and the rest of the families respond by creating a new video along the same lines.

In Barcelona, the local government is working with an exhibition space provider to house homeless people. It seems that they have been able to find a solution to a long-term solution in rapid time. I hope the city will be able to maintain the level of efficiency after the crisis and realise that we are only as resilient as our most vulnerable citizens.

Tell us about something positive or innovative that you / your family /community is doing to be resilient in light of the current COVID-19 crisis?

This crisis is not only for adults; children is one of the most affected group of population. Their schools are closed without knowing when in the future will be open. During confinement, children is the only segment not allowed to go out on the streets, as they can’t get out for shopping or other primary needs. In cities, like in Barcelona, most of them live in apartments with very poor outer spaces (with small balconies the luckiest ones) and small rooms that makes impossible a proper psychomotor activity (very needed in childhood!).

Children—together with health workers, of course—are the champions of this crisis. They’re the best example of what resilience means

At home, with my 3 years old daughter, we arrange weekly teleconferences with her classmates (so funny!) and we share daily videos on what they do (handicrafts, cooking, songs, etc). It’s their way of being connected ☺ as we, as adults, do with friends, family and colleagues.

What is your city doing to react, and how is this effecting you as a citizen?

One of the most disturbing points of confinement is the increase of gender-based violence. Victim and aggressor spend 24h in a same space, which makes it easier to increase the level of violence and risk of relapse. In order to provide support to victims in this rare current situation, local, regional and national government launched awareness campaigns to involve the entire community in reporting abuses and violence. We, as neighbours, pharmacies and grocery stores are called to keep an eye of what is happening around us for not leaving any victim alone in the nightmare. New phone lines have been put in place for those who need support, and services related to gender-violence have been strengthened. #youarenotalone

What long-term positive change will this crisis bring for you / your family / community / company / city?

I am convinced that a new chapter is coming, with so many changes in the way we were used to live. But, above all, I hope this crisis will serve to strongly invest in public health services and, globally, to reach the universal public health for all. Please, let’s create a new world with more Health and Love for all.

In Barcelona, the Local Government is preserving and guaranteeing the operation’s continuity for essential activities while thinking and designing already the Recovery Plan. Meanwhile, a campaign called Barcelona from home has been launched: Covid-19 care, mutual support and culture from home. It is an umbrella for all the initiatives and proposals in different districts and neighborhoods all over, to be gathered and shared.

We have countless worthy citizens’ initiatives, one of them is the @Covidartmuseum. Three publicists from the city have decided to create a virtual gallery on Instagram to show works of art in quarantine.

At home, it has been fun to see how the kids are now the grandparent’s teachers in technology so as to get all of us together in the screen, sharing the day’s activities and giving virtual hugs till this crisis ends and we can meet in person and touch each other. Hugs, at the end of the day is what we, that are in good health, miss the most.

Tell us about something positive or innovative that you / your family /community is doing to be resilient in light of the current COVID-19 crisis?

Enjoying the small details in life. Each meal, each conversation, each single time to have a chat with the family or friends. Maximizing food and reducing waste. Listening at music, reading, enjoying work. Getting loads of great jokes from friends all over the world and taking the time to return messages and connect with people from the past that are very much in the present nowadays.

What is your city doing to react, and how is this effecting you as a citizen?

We are in complete locked down 24/7. It's fantastic! No cars around. No flights. Just a blue sky and sunny days. Lucky to have a place to cook outside and enjoy the sound of no machines around.

What long-term positive change will this crisis bring for you / your family / community / company / city?

I think everybody will be more conscious and appreciative of the small things in life that we all can/could enjoy and, many times, we don't and give little value. To be able to sit with a friend, family, colleague or any person and just have a chat without any worries. No need for lots of money to just have a good laugh among family, friends or colleagues. We'll all make the time in future I think/I hope.

Tell us about something positive or innovative that you / your family /community is doing to be resilient in light of the current COVID-19 crisis?

As someone living abroad, I have always struggled at times with being so far from family and close friends. One positive development during the current crisis has been having the opportunity, or perhaps excuse, to (virtually) see and speak to so many people who are important to me. I am also quite thankful for the time I have been able to spend with my 8-month old daughter. While getting work done has been challenging, looking back, I think I will be thankful for being so present.

What is your city doing to react, and how is this effecting you as a citizen?

Barcelona has be under strict stay-at-home orders since mid-March, with only essential business open, resulting in very few people out on the streets. While the healthcare system here has been inundated with cases, the rest of the city maintains an eerie calm. Very few cars and motorcycles has meant the usual noisy city blocks are quiet aside from the occasional delivery truck or taxi.

What long-term positive change will this crisis bring for you / your family / community / company / city?

A constant topic of conversation in our house is where and how we want to live we once again have some choice in the matter. Being so removed from the natural world has been especially challenging for me and my partner during this period. Whether or not we decide to move to a desolate forest somewhere, this time has certainly given us much to think about regarding what it is we truly value in our lives.

One thing my family and I have done in reaction to this crisis is really trying to be present and appreciative of the beauty that exists around us. For me, I’ve been really appreciative of the little bits of nature appearing in our dense urban environment. With little traffic and significantly less noise pollution, it’s been a pleasure to watch the birds, butterflies and insects reclaim and repopulate the empty streets, terraces, and rooftops.