Coronavirus is the latest disease to hit the world unexpectedly and has spread like wild fire. This is a disease that Public Health Officials were underprepared for and did not see coming. By now we all know what the disease is, how it spreads and how to prevent it. But what about coping during the disease outbreak?
The Coronavirus disease has caused panic and shock globally and has caused a worldwide crisis. The effects of the Coronavirus disease affects us all one way or the other due to reductions in the availability of merchandise, food and medical supplies and other commodities.
Many individuals have been displaced, many have lost their jobs, have uncertainty of the future, lost loved ones and have even died. The Coronavirus disease shows that more money needs to be invested into the health care sector.
Coronavirus disease? What it is, how it spreads…
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2020) Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most individuals affected with the disease will develop mild to moderate respiratory illness but recover without any treatment.
Serious illnesses are more likely to occur in older individuals and persons with underlying medical conditions (WHO, 2020).
Transmission of COVID-19 virus can be reduced through constant hand washing or use of alcohol based rub and not touching your face.
WHO (2020) explained that COVID-19 virus mainly spreads through discharge from the nose and droplets of saliva when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms
It generally takes 2-14 days for infected individuals to show symptoms of the virus but symptoms differ from person-to-person and some may have few to no symptoms.
Symptoms typically mimic a cold or flu so persons may have a runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough or become breathless. It is important to self-quarantine by staying indoors and away from crowds for at least 14 days if showing symptoms.
Practice
It is essential to practice respiratory etiquette by sneezing or coughing into tissue, properly dispose of it then washing or sanitizing your hands. If you do not have tissue at the time, sneeze or cough with a flexed elbow but never directly into your hands. My preference is to do so inside my shirt, you could also give it a try.
There is no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 at this time but human clinical trials have begun.
As of March 28th, 2020 there has been 571, 678 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus disease and 26, 494 confirmed deaths globally (WHO, 2020).
Saint Lucia
Here in Saint Lucia we have had four confirmed cases of the Coronavirus disease as of 28th March, 2020. Multiple measures have been implemented to help safeguard the population and prevent and/or reduce the spread of the virus.
Some businesses have closed following COVID-19 whilst others have shortened their opening times. Many employees especially in the hotels have been temporarily let go due to closures. In some other sectors where possible, employees are working from home.
A curfew has been set for 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily and no large gatherings of persons more than 10 is allowed. There has been major event cancellation, school and facility closure, travel restrictions and quarantine of individuals following the outbreak.
The crisis has led to a reduced supply of products entering the country which has resulted in individuals buying more than they need to. False information has swept the media and there has been racist attacks on Chinese nationals.
Nurses have been subjected to discrimination from the public for fear that the virus will spread since they are at the front line. With the closure of schools, parents have claimed that they are home-bound and have to cope with their kids being at home instead of at school.
Now is the time
Simple strategies can be done whilst at home to reduce trips to the grocery store. Order from trucking services if available in your community. Common products such as canned foods, water, juice, sanitary products and snacks can be preordered and delivered to your home.
Choose an alternative way of getting your groceries and only go to the grocery store unless it is a must.
Drink plenty water, get some fresh air by sitting in your balcony if possible, use an air humidifier indoors and limit direct interactions with others.
Coping whilst at home!
No need to be bored when indoors.
Pray
Praying helps us remain connected to God, informs God that we need Him and makes us feel more in control of our situation. Praying helps me feel better as it gives me hope and helps me feel less tense.
Spend time with your family
Spending time with your family can serve as a stress reliever, help you get to know them better and help catch up on lost times. Play childhood games such as hide and go seek, dominoes or chess. Why not bake a dish together?!
Exercise
Exercise for me is a way to feel good, relieve the daily struggles of life and to look good. Exercising helps me feel energized and rejuvenated plus it is good to improve blood flow and helps reduce many illnesses.
Boost your immune system
Drink freshly squeezed homemade lemon juice, orange or any fruit or vegetable juice. The natural vitamins will help combat the common cold and flu so you can remain healthy and virus free.
Catch up on sleep
I love to sleep. Sleeping ensures that your body charges and helps keep you relaxed. Sleep sleep and sleep to look younger and feel better.
Clean your house
House chores can be so overwhelming especially if it all have to be done in one day. Having tons of chores to do not only gets you tired but can be tedious. Use this time to split your chores and ensure that you clean your surfaces, sweep the dust from the ceiling and corners, scrub your pans, change the curtains and make your house look new.
Meditate
Take a few seconds for yourself to clear your mind, help identify your purpose and to redirect your thoughts. You will be surprised the good ideas you could come up with.
Read a book
I just read “Envy” by Sandra Brown and boy did I enjoy that novel. The ending had me surprise, excited and wanting more. Ever read Envy, what was your reaction? You can also read my other blogs! Visit https://ourtropicalliving.com/archives/
Learn a skill
Sometimes we put things back and say that we will get to it sometime and one day. Well since you are supposed to remain indoors plus there is a curfew enjoy your new skill.
Groom your pets
This is an opportunity to clean and groom your pets and to show them some affection.
Government verses self-sustain
With the induction of the Coronavirus disease more has to be done to help individuals get back to a state of normalcy and financial stability when this blows over. Individuals should attempt to self-earn where they either utilize their skill to bring a source of income to the family.
Persons can engage in barter where products are exchanged or begin to grow quick crops such as herbs and vegetables for sell. Just remember to be safe, wash or sanitizer your hands and practice social distancing during the trade-off.
Families have to attempt to self-sustain themselves as the government would not be able to provide to the needs of everyone. However, I believe that small acts on the part of the government can be done to help reduce the burden on families directly affected.
Alleviating monthly tax charges on salaries, holding back on persons paying for tax returns when they owe the government and unemployment stipends can be done. Payment of basic yet essential bills can be reduced for customers or paid off completely by the government for the economically deprived.
I understand that the government does face its challenges with trying to stabilize the economy following the unprecedented, unforeseen economic impact that the virus has posed. Both the government and employers should be lenient and make the necessary measures to protect employees.
Healthcare workers, I Thank you!
To the healthcare workers, where do I begin? Thank you immensely for risking your lives on a daily basis to provide care to us. Leaving your families at home and going into the unknown. Not knowing who you will come into contact with, what you would have to deal with or how traumatizing the job will be.
Being exposed to various contagious diseases and not knowing if you will make it back home safely or without contracting a pathogen. Whether you do it wholeheartedly, you do it nonetheless by improvising with the resources available and whilst most times being hungry, tired, sick and overworked. As many are let go and sent home to work to ensure their safety, you are at the front line in the battlefield.
Social distancing does not apply to you as you work on the battlefield to combat this growing public health issue. Sometimes you fail the public but you are human too. As the world continues with this global unrest and as you make continued efforts to reduce the impact of the virus, I hope your efforts will be recognized and that for once you will be respected and appreciated.
I hope that when this is all over persons would not forget your efforts but instead reduce the scrutiny and verbal and physical abuse. I hope that all healthcare workers in Saint Lucia debrief and get at least 7 days extended to their vacation as a thank you for your effort. You are wonderful healthcare workers, keep up the excellent work!
Note
The joke only ends when the effects of the joke hits home. This is serious so practice proper hygiene, respiratory etiquette and social distancing. Protecting yourself from the virus might just save your life and your family’s life. Save you from mourning the death of a loved one, the turmoil that comes from coping with the sick and the financial hurdle that accompanies health care expense. Be safe!
Take care of you and practice self-care. We should all work to reduce transmission of COVID-19 since this is a team effort approach. Let us all play our part to help reduce this global problem and protect our country.
Reems
Our Tropical Living
Come live and love island life
Reference
World Health Organization (WHO) (2020). Health topics. Coronavirus. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1
World Health Organization (WHO) (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) situation report- 68. Highlights. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200328-sitrep-68-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=384bc74c_2
A greatf piece by a phenomenal young woman. Keep penning these amazing pieces.
Thank you for reading Dredline.
Great post 👌. Practical recommendations and the pics were wonderful. Keep writing my dear.
Thank you for your comment!
Nice love it.
Thank you PonyG
This post it amazing and allows others to see there are so much that can be done and accomplished while in quarantine.
Thank you Cindy, so much can be done!