THE first time I wrote about the coronavirus was last February 6. At the time, it seemed quite “distant” from us. We were just becoming aware and attempting to understand the disease based on what we were reading from global news. We knew it originated from Wuhan, Hubei, in China in December 2019. We knew it had affected China and countries nearby. I would touch base and check on friends who had just started to work from home in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Japan. A friend even shared a story on how even toilet paper could not be found at the grocery stores in Hong Kong. Back then, I felt like a spectator, hoping by the sidelines that the situation for the affected countries get better soon.
At the time, I am sure most of you had various travel plans and even have booked flights from all the promo fares being offered. For us, my daughter with her teammates were all set and excited to officially represent the Philippines at the Asian Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, at the end February. I had several conventions booked already in the succeeding months. My husband and I had also purchased tickets for his participation at the London marathon this April. I honestly thought as long as we took precautions on our personal health like take our immune boosters, keep hydrated, wash our hands regularly, then we should all be OK. I even remember an initial hearsay that the virus won’t thrive in the Philippines because of our hot weather.
Today, everything has become terrifyingly real for all of us. We are seeing the rapid rise of people affected. We are seeing our medical professionals put their lives at risk, and the lack of much needed supplies. We are seeing those affected go beyond those with travel history from the affected countries. We are reading actual stories of people getting the virus after a casual visit to a supermarket. We are now praying for the recovery of friends in critical conditions. Some of us sadly mourn for the loss of someone dear after battling with this virus.
With Proclamation 929, following the sharp increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases throughout the country, President Duterte declared a State of Calamity throughout the Philippines for a period of 6 months, unless otherwise lifted or extended. He has imposed an Enhanced Community Quarantine throughout Luzon until April 12. This meant strict area lockdowns, as well as suspension of school and work activities except for health workers and specified industries. Distance learning has become a reality for our kids. Online mass celebrations and church services are quickly becoming our norm. The reality of Covid-19 is its uncertainty. It is hard to say when this will end. The goal for our country now is to do everything we can to stop the rise. We take things one day at a time. We hope each one do their part one measure at a time. Alongside battling Covid-19, we also hope to prevent any social unrest from the lack of income.
Getting real with Covid-19 goes back to basics. Prevention and reality check. We need to be vigilant. I think the best reality mindset is: You can get Covid-19. So, please be your own prevention by following these measures our pediatrician sent us:
- STAY HOME. Nearly half of Covid-19 patients in the Philippines have no travel nor exposure to a known Covid-19 case. This means that there are infected people without symptoms or are pre-symptomatic circulating and transmitting the virus in our communities.
- WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY. Soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill viruses that you may have picked up with your hands.
- AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE. If the coronavirus is on your hands, it can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- MAINTIAN SOCIAL DISTANCING…EVEN AT HOME. A sneeze or a cough from an infected person results in a spray of small liquid droplets which contain coronavirus. Maintain a distance of 1 meter between yourself and others. Avoid physical contact when greeting. Just wave, nod or bow.
- PRACTICE RESPIRATORY HYGIENE. Remind others (and yourself) to follow cough etiquette, dispose used tissues immediately, and wash those hands after.
- DISINFECT HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES DAILY. Transmission of coronavirus occurs mostly via direct human contact and respiratory droplets. However, the virus may remain viable on surfaces for many hours to days. After cleaning dirt off, disinfect high-touch surfaces, if appropriate to the material, with bleach solution (1 tsp 6 percent bleach per 1 cup of cool tap water) or with 70 percent alcohol.
- PRACTICE FOOD SAFETY. Food preparation must, as always, be done with clean hands. Cooked dishes are safer than those prepared without the use of heat from a stove or an oven.
- GET GOOD RESET AND SLEEP. Stay well-hydrated, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Do not overwork or overstress. Vitamin C with zinc, multivitamins and supplements can be taken but will do little to protect you if you do not practice the above measures diligently.
More to follow….