AS THE COVID-19 pandemic rages, let us show appreciation to all the healthcare workers on the frontline of the battle against the virus. There are many things the general public can do.
We can show our gratefulness by taking personal and collective steps that will prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and keep our families and communities safe from the disease. Protecting ourselves and others from being exposed to this virus will help control the number of people requiring extraordinary medical care. This will surely help the healthcare system from further overburdening and straining itself. Yes, this is the best way through which we can support and say “thank you” to the heroes of the unfolding public health crisis, especially the doctors, nurses and other hospital workers.
Here are some ways of expressing our appreciation to the COVID-19 frontliners:
* Stay home and follow the community quarantine rules.
* Clean your hands often, practice good respiratory hygiene and maintain safe distancing.
* Keep yourself safe from being ill, especially from ailments that will require hospital consultation and admission.
* Do not hoard essential medical and non-medical supplies. Be judicious in buying surgical masks and N95 respirators to prevent shortage.
* Discard used face masks properly. Practice ecological waste management at home and workplace.
* Use and store home disinfectants with utmost care; do not decant bleach into other containers to avoid chemical poisoning, especially among young children.
* Be vigilant against misinformation.
Last but not the least, say a little prayer for the safety of the frontliners and their loved ones at home.
We should also acknowledge COVID-19 frontliners for services being rendered to our communities, including local government and barangay officials and workers implementing the quarantine; law enforcers managing health/check points; immigration officers supervising the air and sea ports; disinfectors, street cleaners and garbage collectors; farmers, fishers and truckers who keep the food supply flowing; public and private employees and volunteers preparing, packing and distributing food packs; suppliers, distributors and deliverers of food, water, medicines and other essential commodities; employees of key public utilities and financial services; and members of the media who keep the public informed about the epidemic.
We recognize and thank all frontliners for their indispensable services to our communities as we lean on each other to win our nation’s fight against the coronavirus. Thank you for risking your lives, for strengthening our faith, and for giving us light and hope in these troubled times. Together as one people, we shall overcome.
