London (CNN) Social distancing, self-isolation, panic-buying -- there aren't many reasons to be cheerful right now.

The UK on Monday became the latest country to restrict people's movements because of coronavirus . UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson banned people from leaving their homes apart from a few "very limited" reasons.

But the new measures have also inspired many to help out in their communities, and social media is awash with offers of help and support for those in need and frontline workers.

More than half a million people responded to the UK government's call to become a volunteer for the National Health Service (NHS), the country's Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Thursday. The government was hoping to get 250,000 people to sign up.

A long way from the fraught scenes of supermarkets stripped bare and fights breaking out at the checkouts are the thoughtful groups and individuals who are doing what they can to try and make a difference.

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