The coronavirus has everyone stuck at home and feeling that itch to go out and socialize.
But with 35 countries enforcing lockdowns and movement control orders, physically spending time with your friends and loved ones is not a good idea right now. Especially with the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, being classified as a worldwide pandemic.
Luckily for us though, it's definitely still possible to spend time with others!
Not to suck the internet's dick or anything but technology truly is a shining hero in these dark times. With COVID-19 cases on the rise all across the globe, keeping track of your nation's current status using this handy COVID-19 tracker is definitely useful.
Meanwhile, it's best to stay safe by staying home and only going out when it's truly necessary such as when you absolutely have to go on a grocery run or if you have to look after a relative who's ill.
So what is there to do at home you ask? Well, I'll tell you.
Here are some fun online things to do with friends from your own home!
1. Watch or stream online videos and TV series
This is probably one of the most, if not the top, popular options. Wanna Netflix and chill but still maintain that social distance? Try out these options for streaming or watching videos together!
Netflix Party
The Google Chrome extension only requires one person to install and then you're all set! All participants do, however, need a Netflix subscription in order to take part in it.
But in return, anyone in the session can hit the pause and play buttons as well as view through the timeline and Netflix Party adjusts the stream accordingly for all viewers.
Here's a list of our top recommended shows to binge watch by the way.
Rabbit
Even if you do have Netflix, maybe you're bored of the shows available there. Well, luckily for you there's also an option to use Rabbit. The streaming app also supports Hulu, HBO GO, Crunchyroll, and more.
Because it's essentially one person streaming the show, the video quality can get a little janky at times. But on the plus side, it supports both voice and video chat so you can definitely hear your friends as if they were hanging out right by your side.
YouTube
If all else fails, you and your friends can hop onto a voice chat and do the classic "Press play after I countdown from three" move.
2. Play online games
Online multiplayer games are a great way to connect and have fun with each other! You can always use these video calling apps to hear and see one another and then you're all set to go.
JackBox Party
JackBox Party is an incredibly fun and easy to learn game to begin multiplayer mode with even if you're all from different parts of the world.
In fact, it's so multiplayer friendly that the company behind the game itself uploaded a video to show how you can utilize Google Hangouts to have fun with their game.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
"what do you even do in animal crossing?" pic.twitter.com/IUrmyzFa9q — Mel? (@mellphas) March 21, 2020
Everyone and their mother is playing Animal Crossing, the latest Switch game to be released by Nintendo, right now. Personally, I'm still waiting for my Switch to get in but you can bet that the moment I get it I'll be joining my friends on their islands ASAP.
But if you want something more heart-pounding and exciting, check out this list of virus outbreak-themed games that you can play! It may not be an accurate depiction of COVID-19, but shooting down zombies is definitely still a stress-relieving activity.
3. Make an online book club
If you're going through your To-Be-Read list much faster than you thought while you're stuck at home, I've got news for you. You're gonna want to add more titles to that list soon. And while you're at it, why not share those titles with your friends?
Various libraries and publishing houses have provided digital access to their endless titles amid the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to keep people entertained at home. Here are just three of many of them.
New York Public Library
Browse and read over 300,000 books for free on our SimplyE e-reader app, available for Apple and Android devices.
iPhone: https://t.co/SAMlGUhtqV
Android: https://t.co/bueLUZlqwM pic.twitter.com/GCMgnqIje9 — NY Public Library (@nypl) March 16, 2020
Penguin Random House
We are heartened by the ways books are connecting us during this difficult time. To help bring more stories to more readers, Penguin Random House has created a temporary open license for online story time and read-aloud videos and live events. More here https://t.co/qq3UM2gELJ — Penguin Random House ??? (@penguinrandom) March 17, 2020
Malaysia's National Library
Baca buku di rumah.
Gunakan kemudahan https://t.co/vywg3b4wOd dan akses 13.2 juta bahan bacaan digital sekarang. pic.twitter.com/IS6lEEesgH — Perpustakaan Negara (@PNM_Rasmi) March 18, 2020
4. Go on a virtual tour
Similarly to the point above, various places have also closed their doors due to COVID-19, but opened their doors to digital visitors all across the globe.
If you need a moment of peace, why not go on a relaxing tour on your own time to view exhibitions of beautiful jellyfishes, adorable otters, and more!
Vancouver Aquarium
National Aquarium
We may be closed to the public, but our exhibit livestreams are a great way to still experience the Aquarium from home!
You can stream live feeds of Blacktip Reef, Pacific Coral Reef and Jellies Invasion every day by checking out the link below. ??? pic.twitter.com/pmIzBWzDgw — National Aquarium (@NatlAquarium) March 16, 2020
If you're more into the arts, there are also museums that have opened their doors.
Vatican Museum
Ever wanted to feel fancy in the Vatican City? Well, you can do that now! Kinda. Through their virtual tours it almost feels like you're really there.
If you're into the more spooky side of the internet, the Winchester House also has a free video tour of the estate, and it'll only be up till it re-opens so be quick!
5. Enjoy the fine arts
Maybe you're the type who's into the finer things in life. Luckily for you, there's several webcast of performances to enjoy!
Metropolitan Opera
To bring light during the COVID-19, the Met is scheduling a different encore presentation from the company's Live in HD series and it's all free for streaming on the Met's website. Each performance is available beginning 7:30pm EDT until 6:30pm EDT the following day, that's roughly 23 hours.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has made their past performances available for streaming amid COVID-19, "in order to keep the music playing."
Click here to check out their previous seasons for performances that are bound to capture your heart.
Malaysians are also stepping up to the stage through the hashtag #UnrestrictedStage and it'll feature "some of Malaysia's finest talents, all coming together for the love of performing." It's an online-based performance as well so you can enjoy these acts with your friends from the comfort of your own home through this link.
6. Exercise
I'm sure you're all kind of sick of this already, but seriously. Just because you're stuck indoors doesn't mean you can't stay fit.
Remember the good old days of home work out videos? Well, there's plenty of work out content that you can find online for free! My partner and I often follow routines from Blogilates' Cassey Ho and while we're not the best at keeping a routine, it's been working! That is until COVID-19 attacked...
Also, did you know there's a "workout using only household items" challenge that you can check out here. Why not give it a shot?
So now that you've all these options, you're bound to have something to do!
Now excuse me while I check up on my gang and suggest these activities to make sure they're not dying of boredom at home.
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Cover image sourced from Travel and Leisure and Nintendo.
