Known for embodying a community closed to the world, the Amish must also respect the restrictions linked to Covid-19. Despite their marginalization and lack of technology, the Amish still mobilized. These are trying to respect social distancing measures and help hospitals by manufacturing equipment.
The Amish are an Anabaptist religious community born in Switzerland in 1693. Today it has approximately 340,000 members living in 31 states of the United States and 4 Canadian provinces. Usually cut off from the world, this community became aware of the Covid-19 problem with the appearance of restrictive measures in the United States, including social distancing and confinement. According to an article published by NBC News on April 11, 2020, the Amish spread information about the coronavirus via word of mouth . Indeed, the community is against new technologies such as the Internet or telephony.
With the health crisis, the Amish are facing upheaval. And for good reason, the rules of social distancing are difficult to apply in the community. You should know that large religious gatherings and group work are part of everyday life. However, community leaders are working to ensure that the measures are respected despite some reluctance.
On the other hand, not everything is perfect. An article from the New York Times focused on members living in the state of Ohio. While the Amish have closed their schools and churches, markets and gatherings are still going strong. At the beginning of April, hundreds of members even got together for a big funeral meal.
No cases of Covid-19 have been reported among the Amish, at least not officially. On the other hand, there is not a single State spared among those where the members are present. In addition, still in Ohio, the Amish have decided to support the fight against the epidemic. These make medical supplies for hospitals. Masks and protective clothing, plastic face shields or wooden dividers are among the equipment made by the community.
Finally, remember that all over the world there are examples of mobilization faced with the lack of equipment, in particular respirators. Examples include the adaptation of Decathlon diving masks in Italy or the development of a prototype respirator with used auto parts in Afghanistan.
