SINCE it hit Wuhan (China) late last year, the coronavirus has been a hot news-maker up until this day. Now tagged as “Covid-19” by the World Health Organization, it has already infected thousands in different countries, bringing back memories of the scary SARS outbreak back in 2003. The dynamic mobility of people from various countries to ours has sparked concern about the possibility of the virus spreading in our own localities. This has incited panic in many—evident in the running out of supply of face masks some weeks ago. Today, know how some young people are dealing with the “health emergency.”
“When we think about this virus, we know how it spreads quickly—if ever it reaches us due to lack of sanitation and public gatherings—unless the precautionary measures are efficient. With this, I always remain calm and responsible—especially with hygiene. I remind my family to practice proper hygiene and use face masks when in public. Panic will never do us any good.” —Justine Castro, 20, mechanical engineering student (CIT-U)
“I keep myself updated and informed in order to know how to prevent myself from getting sick. I keep my hands clean at all times by washing them regularly. I avoid touching my eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and as much as possible, I avoid going to crowded places. Since I sometimes use public transport and am in big crowds, I make sure to wear a surgical mask when I head out and to have rubbing alcohol/hand sanitizer in my bag. I also do my best to take care of my health in order to boost my immune system. Lastly, I relay information about it to my friends and family in order for them to be informed as well.” —Kristel Py Bagunas, 20, architectural apprentice
“The spread of this virus is already a global health crisis. So I make sure that I keep myself healthy and have a face mask, alcohol, coupled with proper hygiene—handy especially when in public.” —Tricky Dyn Peromingan, 22, master in business administration student (Adamson University)
“I always try to be more cautious and vigilant, especially with what I read on social media about the disease. Not everything posted there is true, so panicking will not help. We should also look for more reliable sources when it comes to this virus to keep us safe. I watch the news and read the newspaper for reliable information.” —Claire Cabardo, 26, financial executive