People Demand That Netflix Stop Charging During The Quarantine
A new petition on Change.org is calling out streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime to give 60 days of free service amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The petition makes the argument that shelter-in-place orders basically mean that they are an essential service — for mental health, of course.
“During a worldwide viral pandemic, social distancing and personal quarantine is vitally important to stem the risk of spreading disease,” the petition by Philip Kolas reads. “As a result, right now millions of people worldwide are keeping themselves at home in order to prevent community spread of the COVID-19 virus. While this is a heroic and necessary challenge, it also runs the risk of boredom and isolation, which can lead to depression, among other factors. Many people are turning to their streaming services to alleviate their monotony. The problem with this is that many people cannot afford these membership fees, especially in a time like now when many people’s economic livelihood is already strained.”
“Therefore, this petition asks that all worldwide streaming services inact a temporary 60 day stoppage of membership charges, as well as per-movie rental fees,” continues the petition. “If people can watch as much as they want, whenever they want, this will help alleviate the stress of home isolation, as well as encourage people to stay home. This is a responsible community health strategy… I call upon every one of these companies that can help make an involuntary homestay more comfortable and therefore more successful to do their part to lift our sorrows and stresses of the quarantine.”
Hm… interesting! We actually agree, don’t you?