Online gaming platforms

In addition to playing games with distant friends and family over video chat, there are a few specialized gaming platforms that my family has been using since we went into lockdown. All of the sites below have a way to play for free and I've also listed what you get if you pay the extra subscription fee.

Roll20.net -- https://roll20.net/
For tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. You can store your character sheets and roll dice, view maps, do video and voice chat.

• Plus membership: USD 5/month. Can play on mobile devices, more storage.

Board Game Arena -- https://boardgamearena.com/
Games have been developed so that you can play in real time or turn based. It prompts you for actions on your turn and keeps score for you. You're not allowed to have multiple players at the same location unless you have a premium membership to discourage cheating.

• Games we've played: Hanabi, Takenoko
• Games we're familiar with but haven't played yet: 7 Wonders, Carcassone, Love Letter, Race for the Galaxy, Sushi Go, Tokaido
• Premium membership: USD 4/month or 24/year. Premium games available, video & voice chat.

Tabletopia -- https://tabletopia.com/

Provides game board, game pieces, and instructions. Players move the cards and pieces around by themselves. No voice or video chat.

• Games we've played: Wingspan, Secret Hitler, Castle Panic, Viticulture
• Game we're familiar with but haven't played yet: Glorantha: The Gods War
• Premium members: USD 4.99/month and USD 9.99/month. Premium games available.

- Lillian

Coronavirus: A book for children (ages 5 to 9)

This free digital book explains the coronavirus to children, with pictures from Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler and text by staff at Nosy Crow publications, with expert input from Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.

I read the book to both of my children (7 and 10) and thought it was very good - particularly the part urging children to get along with everyone in their households!
- Jennifer

https://nosycrow.com/blog/released-today-free-information-book-explaining-coronavirus-children-illustrated-gruffalo-illustrator-axel-scheffler/

To mask or not to mask?

Face-coverings are increasingly being recommended by authorities as a protective measure that helps prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially by those who are (unwitting) asymptomatic carriers.

"Asia may have been right about coronavirus and face masks, and the rest of the world is coming around" [CNN]

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/asia/coronavirus-mask-messaging-intl-hnk/index.html

Please note: Nobody is advocating that N95 respirator masks, currently in such short supply, be worn by anybody except medical personnel.

Incidentally, N95 masks have a fascinating history that involves creepy bird masks, bra design, and karmic retribution for racism.

"The untold origin story of the N95 mask" [Fast Company]

https://www.fastcompany.com/90479846/the-untold-origin-story-of-the-n95-mask


Updated to add:
If you're not the crafty type, this tutorial will show you how to turn a T-shirt or handkerchief into a face mask.

"How to make a non-medical coronavirus face mask – no sewing required" [The Guardian]
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/06/how-to-make-no-sew-face-mask-coronavirus