Just a few months prior, discussions about Shakira and JLo’s provocative Super Bowl performance, Trump’s latest scandalous tweet or who did the poorest in the latest Democratic debate were all frequent talking points in households across America. Now every story not coronavirus related has been put on hold, allowing for constant coverage of the always-evolving situation regarding COVID-19. During these trying times however, countries have also placed on hold their biases and previous tensions in order to aid those who need it most. 

Russia started off April with an act of goodwill as they sent a cargo plane full of medical supplies to the US. Such supplies included face masks, medical gowns and hospital equipment, all of which are highly valuable in a time where American hospitals are buckling under the strain of an influx of patients. The necessity of having these supplies far outweighs any prejudice Russia and America may hold for one another, at least according to Russian press secretary Dmitry Peskov. “Being aware of the serious epidemiological situation in America, the Russian side offered medical equipment and protective gear as assistance,” Peskov said. “Now, when the current situation affects each and every one and can be characterized as global, there is no alternative to working together in the spirit of partnership and mutual help.” 

China has also reached out a helping hand to ailing US cities such as Boston and New York, with the assistance of an iconic football team. New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft agreed to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s request that they use the team’s massive jet to pick up hundreds of thousands of masks from China to be delivered to Boston and NYC hospitals. “Tonight’s arrival of a major shipment of N95 masks on the @Patriots’ plane was a significant step in our work to get front-line workers the equipment they need,” Baker tweeted. “And it’s an example of how collaboration and partnership can lead to real solutions during these challenging times.”

In a perfect world, the unprecedented tragedy that is COVID-19 would teach the world that what really matters is unity and partnership, and would bring forth a period of peace among previously adversed countries. This is woefully unrealistic however, and it is more likely that after the coronavirus pandemic, leaders will pick up their old grievances against one another. What the coronavirus has taught the world though, in all of its terribleness, is that when it really matters or counts, people are capable of putting aside any petty histories to help one another. For in a deadly pandemic, there is no “them,” only “us”.