A note to our community

[mchomsky]

 Caption: A screenshot of a Google search bar with the words “coronavirus update” with other suggested search terms listed below.

To our dedicated Local Guides, we realize the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting you and your communities in different ways. We know you love to explore your world and share your experiences, but your safety comes first. Please prioritize your health above all else.

We realize this situation has an impact on your activity as Local Guides and are committed to giving our community a sense of togetherness during this time. In the spirit of keeping us all connected, I wanted to share some additional information on how Google is helping and highlight a few ways we're working to keep you informed.

1. On the Google homepage, we’re promoting the “Do the Five” campaign to raise awareness of simple measures people can take to slow the spread of the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. Our SOS Alert in Google Search connects people with the latest news plus safety tips and links to more authoritative information from the WHO.
3. Google Maps will continue to surface helpful and reliable location information. In the coming days, we’ll make it possible for businesses to easily mark themselves as “temporarily closed” using Google My Business.

We know you are probably wondering if this will have an effect on Connect Live. At this time, Connect Live applications are still open through March 30 and we are keeping a close eye on the evolving global situation.

Many of you have also asked about meet-ups. We recommend following guidance and regulations from authorities in your area and switching to remote meet-ups. Instead of meeting in person, we encourage you to host virtual meet-ups using a platform like Hangouts. 

We’re also rolling out new features on Connect in the coming weeks to make it even easier to stay in contact remotely. If you would like to receive updates from our Announcements board in your inbox, we have information on how you can subscribe.

We hope all of you stay healthy and safe during this time. 

[TanvirBGD]

Fellow local guides, I hope and wish all the local guides around the world are in good health and staying safe. We all know the outbreak reports and live updates on COVID-19 which is truly scaring but instead of being panicked we as a local guide can play a vital role specially countries where population is greater in number like Bangladesh, India (where it didn't become devastating) by providing training to do the right practice to every family who are really out of reach from social media, news and print media. The people are in rural area as I have seen are not really bothered about COVID-19 just because they are not been pushed hard enough to take the safety measure. By using all precautions we may protect ourselves in most of the urban areas but if we just think only about us and not about them will not help the mankind. I personally feel that it is our responsibility as local guide to go to the places where the people are not taking this toll taking virus attack seriously. Since we are local guide people surrounding in our society will listen to us and follow our lessons more effectively than any others. Just few steps training will save many who are around us in our society. I'm sure you all know the precautions but just as a soft reminder I'll put it here again and promise that it will be simple.

*****Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. Stay away from heavy gathering and keep children home rather than roaming around.

Let this crisis be as awareness, a learning for us! Let us face it together by changing our lifestyle...time to understand " our small support will make the world beautiful and every attempt we make now to aware other will save millions."

[NakataN]

Thank you local guide, you just calm my nerves with your address. 

[Juliorubeneli]

Asunción Paraguay

[MAHMOUDALWAN]

تحياتي @Petra_M 

أنا لم اقصد ان اقوم بتوجيه( سؤال ) الي جوجل بل كنت اقصد تقديم  ( اقتراح ) 

ولكن الترجمة لم تكن  دقيقة في ايضاح المعني الذي اقصده 

Greetings

I did not mean to direct (a question) to Google, rather I meant to submit a (suggestion)

But the translation was not accurate in clarifying the meaning I mean

[LadyPink0509]

Oh yes Connect Live 2020! Thank you for the correction!

Sorry, all this news coverage has me frazzled. Yall stay safe!  #AvidGoogleHandWasher#

[DeepakModanwal]

Ok thankyou

[Nosaint2_Rafael_Fe]

Hi: As many other places in the world, Puerto Rico, is fighting back the Corona virus. Our Government has declared a curfew to all of the poblation, from 9pm to 6 am, and during the day only people related with security , heath, and food chain distribution are allowed to be on street. 

Hopefully this curfew will end by March 30th. This government movement will help to stop the virus spread. Once this happen, I would love to see you all visiting our great Island of Puerto Rico. We are at one of the warmer water of the Cariibean. Have a lot of turist attractions. P.lease be safe in your Country. Together we will overcome this virus.

[Emmik20]

You are right ! Nobody thought it would be this serious . Now it has become pandemic.it has even get to Puerto Rico , hope the economy will not be too much affected by the scourge of the virus.

I thought I would not be affected by this virus. Now I could not leave the country where I work. Hello @Nosaint2_Rafael_Fe thanks for sharing and wish the Corona virus would be eradicated from Puerto Rico in no time.

[Cracksi001]

Here in Germany...same problems ...we should make a common threat at local guides.something like "local guides against Corona" or something...to get stories from every country.. Pete . shops closing today.. shutdown in Germany

[MarkSpansel]

THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WORK AT THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY SICK OR NOT THE US GOVERNMENT DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU THE EMPLOYEE 

[MarkSpansel]

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE 

[Petra_M]

Hi @MarkSpansel,

Please see this post from the Head of Local Guides. I'm also merging your post into that thread to connect you with other Local Guides discussing the same topic while keeping Connect organized.

To learn more about the Idea Exchange, you can read the article How do I use the Idea Exchange?

Thank you.

[JaneBurunina]

Здравствуйте @AmalYmarova 

Согласна с вами, к сожалению, на данный момент такая ситуация наблюдается во многих местах по всему миру. Надеюсь, время пройдет и все нормализуется. 

Прогулки по городу - это замечательно, можно фотографировать, добавлять информацию на Карты.

Как я заметила, вы недавно на Коннект. Добро пожаловать!

Здесь можно найти новых друзей Местных Экспертов по всему миру, делиться впечатлениями и узнать много интересного о разных странах и культурах. Также вы можете здесь задавать вопросы по Программе Местных Экспертов, если они возникнут. Для знакомства с форумом, хочу порекомендовать вам статью 14 полезных советов для использования Connect. На сайте есть встроенный автоматический Переводчик (в верхнем правом углу экрана).

Еще одна полезная статья Как найти сообщения на моем языке?  Статьи на русском языке можно найти по ссылке Русский

Чтобы ваш пост был более привлекателен для читателей, выберите тему (Какие темы Connect?), красивое название и добавьте больше описания, эта статья может вам помочь Как написать пост на Connect? Пожалуйста не забывайте добавлять языковый тег "Русский" в ваши публикации на русском языке, это поможет другим Местным Экспертам быстрее их найти. 

Если вы планируете подавать заявку для участия в Connect Live 2020, пожалуйста прочитайте внимательно эту статью Connect Live 2020 application guidelines

Желаю удачи и хорошего настроения!

[AsimMehmood2020]

The whole world is suffering for #covid2019, google should take initiative  

[VictoriaChukwuma]

How to retain your customers amid COVID-19 concerns. 

Social distancing will affect your sales.

This is a given. 

Given the pandemic, people all around the world including your customers, are advised to avoid crowded places to reduce their chances of contracting the virus.

If your business is solely a physical store or offline market this goes without saying, less sales, less profit, less ROI.

Here are 6 key ways to retain your customers during this time and still make money. If not more money.

1: Show that you care:

Now is a great time to connect emotionally with your customers by sharing verified and authentic information about the Corona Virus and how to avoid undue exposure.

Research verified safety measures and share with your customers.

Don't try to sell. Just show that you care. 

2: Install basic health checks:

If you still have customers trickling in, ensure hand sanitizers and other health check measures are on ground at your store or business location.

3: Migrate Online:

No better time to migrate your business/services online - think mobile apps, chat bots, efficient social media pages etc.

If you are already online, move more resources into stabilising your online presence. Create value adding content on your website, build an all encompassing FAQ list, invest into bots for fast reply but all means, show up for your customers.

4: Partner with a logistics company:

Ease into your customers by finding an efficient logistics service that will deliver your products within and around town.

Once assured of your commitment to helping them stay safe during this time, you have building an experience in their minds that will linger a long time.

5: Keep in touch:

Monitor the logistics to ensure deliveries are made on time.

Reach out to the customer to confirm receipt.

Monitor your customer satisfaction rate by creating a quick survey at the end of each transaction.

This will help you serve them the way they want to be served.  

6: Integrate electronic payment

Now is not the time to insist on cash payment or transfers. 

Integrate electronic payment systems across your customer touch-points. Remember, the goal is to make doing business with you easy.

Globally, big businesses are leaning in to connect with their customers at this time by creating innovative measures to keep their customers happy. Some have loyalty schemes to reward loyal customers.

Lean in. Think creative ways to get in your customers face.

Make shopping with you seamless and fun.

Take a worry or two off their shoulders and stay safe out there ☺ 

Written by Victoria Chukwuma

• Follow @toreeah_ on Instagram and Twitter for more Customer Experience posts  

[KatyaL]

Здравствуйте @AmalYmarova,

Я рекомендую создать встречу на нашем сайте для встреч, а заинтересованные местные гиды в вашем регионе могут указать их интерес через RSVP. Дополнительная информация, которая может быть полезной: Как организовать виртуальную встречу местных гидов.

Я так же сдвинула ваш пост в этот, где можете прочитать больше информации. Спасибо.

[Raisul2007]

1. <PHOTO REDACTED>
   

    (ছবিটি গুগল থেকে  নেয়া)

   অল্প কিছু দিনের মধ্যেই দুনিয়ার নকশা ভিন্ন রূপ ধারন করেছে। আর আমার দেশের বেশির মানুষ ভয়ানক বেপার খুব হেলায় দেখতেছে। শুধুমাএ শেষ ২৪ ঘন্টা ইউরোপে মারা গেছে প্রায় ৬৫০ জন!! আর ওইদিকে আমাদের তরুনরা কিভাবে কতবেশী এটা নিয়ে ট্রোল করবে সেটা নিয়ে মাথা ঘামাচ্ছে। এর মধ্যে আবার কছি মানুষ গানও বানিয়েছে। সমস্যাটা আমাদের উপমহাদেশের প্রতিটা দেশেই দেখা যায়। যেকোনো বেপারকে তারা নিজের মনের মাধুরি মিশিয়ে ধর্মীয়করন করা প্রতিযোগিতায় লিপ্ত হয়। একদল প্রতিবন্ধী গো-মূএ নিয়ে মাতামাতি করছে, আর একদল কোন ভাবে, কি কি বলে নিজ ধর্মীয় সূএে এর সাথে লিংক করা যায় সেটা নিয়ে নতুন নানান বয়ান দিচ্ছে। 'করোনা' মানবজাতির মধ্যে কে কোন ধর্মের,করে ধনী কে গরীব, কে কোন দেশে বা কোন জাতির তার দেখে শুনে ছড়াচ্ছে না। ছড়াচ্ছে মানুষের অগ্যতা আর অসাবধানতার কারনে। যেখানে ইউরোপ-অমেরিকা এর সামনে টিকতে পারছে না, সেখানে বাংলাদেশে এর ভয়াবহতা কতটা হবে তা দেশের মানুষ কল্পনাও করতে পারবে না। জার্মান সরকার বলেই দিছে ৬০-৭০℅ মানুষের মধ্যে ছড়ানোর সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে। অনেক শহর বন্ধ হয়ে গেছে। কাল থেকে হয়তো বাসার থেকে যে কেউ বের হলে জরিমানাও করবে। ইটালিতে এখন শুধু তাদের চিকিৎসা দিচ্ছে যাদেরকে বাঁচানো সম্ভব। বাকিদের বাসা পাঠায় দিচ্ছে। জার্মানীতেও যদি খুব বেশি বেড়ে যায় এমনটাই হয়তো করবে। শুধু ইটালি জার্মানি নয় সারা ইউরোপের আজকে এক ই অবস্থা। সেখানে নিজের দেশের মানুষের কি হবে? কতটা চিকিৎসা দিতে পারবে, আর কি চিকিৎসাই দিবে। ইউরোপের সাথে যোগাযোগ আরো আগে বন্ধ করা দরকার ছিলো। অন্ততপক্ষে শেষ কিছু কামলা যারা নিজে বাচার জন্য দেশে গিয়ে গলাবাজি করতেছে একবেলা খাবার দেরী হওয়ার জন্য তাদের পুলিশ দিয়ে না পারলেও ছাএলীগ দিয়ে পেটানো দরকার। ১০-১২ ঘন্টার জার্নি করছে এমনভাব যেন ফ্লাইটে কিছু খায় নাই। হাসপাতাল থেকে পালাচ্ছে, ঘরবন্দী থাকতে চাচ্ছে না। এর ফলাফল কতটা খারাপ হবে যে নিজের সামনে না দেখতেছে সে ধারনাও করতে পারবে না। সারা দুনিয়াতে গত ২-৩ মাসে যত মানুষের মধ্যে ছড়াইছে-যত মারা গেছে, বাংলাদেশে এক মাসে তার থেকে বেশি ছড়িয়ে পরতে পারে বা বেশি মারা যেতে পারে। এক রোগী যদি একবার একবেলা গুলিস্থান বা ফার্মগেট ঘুরে সারাদেশ ছড়াতে ৭ দিনও লাগবে না। যার কোন চিকিৎসা বা কোন প্রতিকার আমার দেশের করা কখনোই সম্ভব হবে না। কলেজ-ইউনিভার্সিটি আর আগে বন্ধ করা দরকার ছিল। সবাইকে একসাথে এখনই সাবধান হয়া খুব দরকার। সবচেয়ে বেশি কষ্ট খেটে-খাওয়া মানুষের। যার এক বেলা কাজ করলে রাতে খাবার পায়। আমাদের দেশে সব খারাপ সময় গুলোতে একটা বড় সমস্যা হচ্ছে নিত্য প্রয়োজনীয় জিনিসের সংকট। আর যেসব সুবিধাবাদী এই সুযোগে নিত্যপ্রয়োজনের দাম বাড়াচ্ছে এলাকা ভিত্তিক দল করে তাদের উচিত শিক্ষা দেয়া প্রয়োজন। তাদের যদি হয়, মরলে ওই টাকা কবরে নিতে পারবে না এটা মনে রাখা উচিত। সবশেষে যারা আপনজন ছেড়ে এখনো বাইরে আছে,আমাদের জন্য দোয়া করবেন। আর দেশের প্রতিটা মানুষ ভালো থাকুক সেই দোয়া করবেন সবসময়। জাতি-ধর্ম নির্বিশেষে সবায় একসাথে করনীয় কাজ গুলো করলে, সাবধান থাকলে 'করোনা' মহামারী থেকে আমার দেশের মানুষ বাঁচতে পারবে। সবাই ভালো থাকুন, সচেতন থাকুন।

[YulianusLadung]

As global citizens we are now in the situations that requires collaborative efforts, where governments of countries, private sectors as well as individuals need to "hand-in-hand" helping each others. While doing so, there are also various information that overwhelmed and could lead us to irrelevant/inaccurate (i.e. hoax). Despite all the chaos that might be occurred by those miss-lead informations, we are lucky that technology company like Google have the ability to continuously helping the world with its great products.

A twit by Google' Sundar PichaiA twit by Google' Sundar Pichai

In my home city; Jakarta, as many other places on earth, there are also various actions taken by local authorities to prevent the spreading of the virus. While we don't have lockdown in Indonesia, but more rigorous enforcement is now being under-going. For example on my last meeting, there are several steps I ought to go through before I could enter my client' premises.

All of the employees, tenants and visitors need to have checks before and after entering the building

Some checks ...

And while having a routine daily activities with some social-distances, I found this information on how Avi Schiffmann; a 17 years teenager' of Seattle, have helps so many people in regard to the COV-19 through his website.

https://ncov2019.live/data

On that website, we also could have geographical information regarding COV-19 by using embedded Google Maps on it, that says it updated per minutes or so.

COV-19 related maps

If it is not too much, I would also love to hear your local stories on COV-19, so we could learn from each others on how to deal with this serious pandemic. Let's be safe and stay healthy folks.

[TheEagleEye]

Excellent post @mchomsky, thanks for updates and information. 

[bakasura_forever]

Great 🙂 Looking forward for the updates on the coming weeks 🙂 Lets hope for the good of all 

[AngieYC]

Hello @Deden_ahmad,

Please see this post from the Head of Local Guides. I'm also merging your post into that thread to connect you with other Local Guides discussing the same topic while keeping Connect organized. Thank you.

[Petra_M]

Hi @ppsagar,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I'd like to let you know, that your post is related to A note to our community, and I'm going to merge it there, to keep Connect organized.

[KARAKKAM]

Thanks for the message and update @mchomsky, hope you Guides, all you are safe.

[JuanMamani98]

@mchomsky Gracias por la explicación detallada sobre el tema y las medidas a tomar. Saludos desde Argentina

[Nasir11]

@mchomsky  highly knowledgeable, must bring up things and ways to tackle fear and rumors generated in the situation #letsGuide #LocalGuides

[dodonnell]

Great initiatives by Google.

Fingers crossed the world is in a better place before October!

🤞🤞

[Petra_M]

Hi @NereoB,

Please see this post from the Head of Local Guides. I'm also merging your post into that thread to connect you with other Local Guides discussing the same topic while keeping Connect organized. Thank you.

[Mayford]

Thanks for this announcement @mchomsky. It's adequate everyone's aware of the situation. Way to go... Hope everyone stays safe.

[Saiyen]

Thanks @mchomsky for sharing this essential and informative news with us. ❤❤   

[gandrabur_chik]

Thank you @mchomsky for these recommendations. Now we are all learning to live and work in new circumstances. It is really important for everyone to unite and take care of themselves and their health.

[ChiaraMariaC]

Hi @mchomsky, 

thank you very much for this announcement. 😊 🌸 

These are great initiatives by Google. 😀 👍🏻 

I hope that all Googlers and Google Local Guides stay healthy and safe during this time! 😍 🧡 

Many warm greetings from Hamburg, Germany

[SebaasC]

Dear @mchomsky  we appreciate this useful information.

Please stay safe for all the community  , and hoping this situation ends as soon as possible.

Thanks.

[Ivi_Ge]

Hi @Trampclicks,

Please see this post from the Head of Local Guides. I'm also merging your post into that thread to connect you with other Local Guides discussing the same topic while keeping Connect organized. Thank you.

[Ivi_Ge]

Hi @vincenzobici33,

Please see this post from the Head of Local Guides. I'm also merging your post into that thread to connect you with other Local Guides discussing the same topic while keeping Connect organized. Thank you.

[Nyainurjanah]

Stay safe everyone, health is priority ,we love you , let's pray for everything gonna be fine soon .warm hug for our fellow local guides especially in China,South Korean, Italy etc ,please be safe 

From Nyai Indonesia 

[PoliMC]

Hi @matthewobrien10,

Please see this post from the Head of Local Guides. I'm also merging your post into that thread to connect you with other Local Guides discussing the same topic while keeping Connect organized. 

[JuanMamani98]

Aunque sea difícil entre todos vamos a superar esta situación. Desde Argentina también cooperamos para que no se extienda está epidemia más de lo que está. Saludos y fuerza para todos.

[OSAMA]

Thanks for sharing this important informations @mchomsky !

Stay safe all LGs

[rizbab28]

@mchomsky 

In fact it's going to discover the new things to explore, thanks.

[SolaimanHossain]

@mchomsky 

Thanks for your Post.

Wishing all of the people of the world be safe and secure in this situation and wish the disaster will recover soon.

May God bless us and we get back to our normal Life.

[DrunkenChimp]

Hey Local Guide,

Please be safe and don't gather in any community halls or any shops. Thank You for the note, @mchomsky 

Google always has a helping hand behind all of us, so you don't have to worry and just take good precautions, wash hands regularly, don't touch your face with dirty hands and wear good medical masks when going out.

Be healthy.

Happy Guiding!

[Sanjivbarall]

Stay healthy stay safe everyone . Pray for all

[Austinelewex]

Hello @mchomsky 

Thank you so much for this valuable information. 

To the areas where the Pandemic has affected drastically, I advise, you stay safe amidst all things. 

Local Guides in Europe especially Italy and UK we are greatly concerned about your health, please stay safe. 

Those in Asia, China, Japan, South Korea  etc continue to show resilience.

[Muhammad_Usman]

Google connect is always lead from the front that's why I love to google And feeling proud to be a Google Guid Thanks a lot for sharing  @mchomsky  but still need a lot to do

[SaifIS]

@mchomsky Thank you for informing the community. Let's hope for the best!

[JacekNK]

@mchomsky @TraciC  and  LG Team

Thank you for your note but I think it's time to hang up applications to Connect Live. In this hard time I think especially about our Local Guides friends in Italy and Iran - I think for them it's not the time for thinking about video appilications recording when they families and friends may be in life danger. Please consider this.

Regards,

Jacek

[SandroE]

Thank you for your post @mchomsky . I wish to all Local Guides their safety throughout this outbreak. It has been tough in the last month. Hopefully we will get rid of this virus asap!

[emmanxen]

@mchomsky This is a nice guideline to stay safe and healthy at this period while the world recovers from this dreaded coronavirus COVID-19.

Thank you for this words of advice.

[Kamalhasnainee]

Glad to know about the virtual meet ups now are processing from our friends to stay safe in own place by remotely organizing meet ups. Thanks @mchomsky for this announcement. 

[JacekNK]

@vincenzobici33 @ErmesT and all Local Guides

Take care of you and your relatives. Stay safe.
Our thoughts are now especially with all of you - people of Italy,
but we think also about LGs from Iran, Spain, France and other affected countries.

Best wishes of health to everybody from (also closed) Poland,

Jacek