AS WE live every day, we seem to be exposed to the dangers and the uncertainties brought about by the Covid-19. Although some have not felt yet the troubles of being infected by the coronavirus, it would be realistic when a member of the family or organization had been confined and reported to have been tested positive for Covid-19.
Many have underestimated the situation and considered returning to normalcy. But no matter how sectors of our society would force things and go with their normal activity, it is telling us we have returned to the situation last year when the pandemic is just starting up. The result would soon end up in our premises and will haunt us until all this will be over.
I had a share of moments just when I thought, I may not be like others who are now confined in hospitals or may be troubled emotionally because of test results that reveal positive for the disease.
I can relate that the situation of being infected or near someone with the disease is something not desirable for anybody. The feeling could be a mix of reactions, and will end up in anxiety.
I was surprised to be informed Friday (April 16) by my friend and superior, Dr. Jay Estrellas, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, that he felt some symptoms of Covid-19 and was tested positive. He warned that as I interacted with him on Monday afternoon (April 12) at his office, I should be isolated and tested. Prior to this, a notice was sent out also confirming that our college president, Dr. Nomer Mangulabnan, is already in stable condition in the hospital, after having tested positive for Covid-19.
I was tested Saturday morning through saliva RT-PCR test from the Philippine Red Cross and got the result, which is negative, in the early morning yesterday (April 18). I felt the relief and the wishes that it could not happen again in the future because I have comorbidity being diabetic and a mom who is already 84 years old at home.
I have relayed the message to my colleagues in school who are still in isolation and waiting to be tested. The results could help in tracing possible carriers of coronavirus who are just asymptomatic, yet already moving around in offices spreading the virus to some they interact with.
I have in mind of thinking about our organizations, private or public, that this is not the time to summon what should have been done to prepare for an emergency situation particularly when infections would breach the security protocols. Preparations and plans for response should have been done long ago. It would just be hard to accept that realizations would come when a loved one becomes a victim because we failed to put a system to ensure that our people are safe.
We knew how dynamic our lives every day despite the reminders that all of our activities will have to be set in the light of this pandemic. It is true however that we differ in our understanding of situations, that make us define the level of seriousness or complacency in relation to the present crisis.
This crisis could not end soon, thus it could help to think of measures necessary to at least continue to protect the lives of the members of our family and community.
While we can’t still avoid being in the shadows of Covid-19, we can accept that we need to be watchful and help one another in fighting for our survival.