5 Ways to Keep in Touch with Your Loved Ones During the Coronavirus Lockdown
Whether your loved ones are abroad or just down the road, the new government rules mean no matter where they are, if they’re not in the same household as you then it means not being able to visit them for the foreseeable future.
If you want to keep yourself, your family, your friends and the NHS safe, then complying with the Covid-19 lockdown advice is the best thing you can do.
But, don’t panic because although you might not be able to go down to the pub together, thanks to technology there are plenty of ways you can stay in touch with your loved ones.
Houseparty App
This revolutionary social networking service is keeping everyone sane during the quarantine period. The app enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps and allows you to play games during video calls.
The app notifies you when your friends are online and you can immediately start talking to them.
What makes this app really stand out is the fact that you can play games during calls. Heads Up, Trivia and Quick Draw are just a few of the games that the social media app supports.
So, invite your friends to your virtual house party now.
Cost: Free
Available on: Android & iOS
This messenger app is the third most downloaded app ever and it’s about to become even handier.
Not only can you send messages to others but Whatsapp also allows you to have multiple group chats, send voice notes back and forth to friends and family, send images, videos and gifs and also video chat with up to four people.
Cost: Free
Available on: Android & iOS
Zoom
This is another popular video call app that can be used to host a variety of different calls. Companies are using the app to host work conference calls; personal trainers are using it for live workout sessions and you can use it to catch up with friends and family.
The pros to this app are screen sharing, breakout rooms, the ability to record meetings and up to 1,000 people can participate in a single Zoom video call.
So, get a conference call going with all of your colleagues or invite the whole family for a catch-up.
Cost: Free (Pro version available)
Available on: Android & iOS
Airtime
This social streaming platform has integrations with YouTube, Spotify and many others allowing you to watch your favourite videos with your favourite people.
Up to six people can video chat at one time and users can drop in text, video, music and photos to a chat room.
If you want to virtually chill with your mates, send out an Airtime signal and get together, even when you’re not.
Cost: Free
Available on: Android & iOS
Netflix Party
Netflix Party is a Google Chrome extension that allows you to watch Netflix with your friends online.
The extension synchronizes video playback and adds a group chat to your most loved Netflix shows.
If you and your friend or loved one can’t watch Netflix together during quarantine, this could be your saviour.
Cost: Free
Available on: Google Chrome
It’s important to stay in contact with loved ones during this time to help yourself and them cope and with it being as easy as just picking up your phone there’s no excuse.
Stay safe and stay in contact.
