SCOTLAND is in the grip of the coronavirus. The UK recorded its first day with more than 100 deaths this week, with even Boris Johnson testing positive for the disease.
The Scottish Chief Medical Officer, Catherine Calderwood, said each death may represent up to 1000 cases but with Covid-19 testing so limited, it is impossible to say how many of us are already infected.
But it is not all bad news. Driven by the battle against an invisible enemy, community support groups have sprung up all over the country.
Some groups are very small in scope, limited to a single area of Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness, while others (like the Far North group, which encompasses Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) make efforts to bridge the huge geographical divides between their members.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Scottish communities band together to help vulnerable neighbours
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK, an umbrella organisation trying to tie all of these groups together, launched with the stated aim of “providing resources and connecting people” to help the “more vulnerable”.
It’s co-ordinator, Kelsey Mohamed, said the response had been “overwhelming”.
"It shows us what's possible when we prioritise simple compassion," she said. "People are self-organising with incredible efficiency, respect and creativity.
“The cracks in the infrastructure of organisations that were already struggling to meet the needs of the most vulnerable are opening wider as resources run low and employees need to work from home.
“We are coming together to fill some of those gaps as best we can.”
But there are also other groups appearing independently of the umbrella organisation.
Amy Garrick-Wright, a community councillor in the Gulberwick, Quarff and Cunningsburgh area of Shetland, set up the islands’ support network, which is one of these other groups.
READ MORE: Covid-19: How to recreate communities as human contact diminishes
She said: “I set up the group so that no-one would be left feeling alone or struggling for food or resources, especially since we are remote.
“Shetland has a strong sense of community, so it has been important to harness all the energy and willing to help and do good.”
Andy Wightman, Scottish Greens MSP and communities spokesperson, said: “In the face of this public health crisis, it is encouraging to see communities come together to support each other, especially where people are struggling with self-isolation or have been let down by employers or landlords.
“I hope this sense of community solidarity continues long after the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
“I have heard first-hand accounts from Scottish Green councillors who are involved in these groups, supporting vulnerable people, delivering emergency food or turning community centres into support hubs.
"These are challenging times and it is incumbent on governments not to allow people to fall through the gaps.”
We have mapped every community support group in Scotland (and two just over the border) to make it even easier for anyone in need to get help from within their local community.
To use the map simply click on the group closest to your area. A link to the website or Facebook page of the group will appear for you to contact directly.
Map points in yellow are affiliated with Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK, the points in blue are other coronavirus community support groups.
Remember to exercise the necessary caution when meeting people online, and never give out your bank or credit card details.
If you are involved in or know of any support groups not featured above, please tell us in the comments below and we will get it added as soon as possible.
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