Letter to the Editor
Recently, I went to a local Indian grocery store. Despite their visible exhaustion, it was humbling to see all the employees doing their best to keep things stocked and register lines moving efficiently. To all of you, a heartfelt thank you!
Despite the clear warnings from health experts and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was shocking to see so many elderly out wearing gloves and N95 masks. The false sense of security worrisome. Lack of social distancing and increased cross-contamination clear as people continued to reach over others to pick one okra at a time.
As a healthcare professional myself and as a wife of someone who is on the front lines, fighting to save yours while risking his own ... I plead with you, this is real – please, stay home.
Some may think this is a hoax. Others may think it will pass like the flu. Some feel invincible with gloves and mask. To those, please ... this is NOT just about YOU. Fear cripples my heart every morning as my husband leaves for work, giving me a hug that is a bit longer than usual these days. A fear shared by so many on the front lines. Please, help us help you.
Today, we all have a common enemy. An invisible enemy. COVID-19 also known as Coronavirus. It is really worth the risk to ignore the warnings?
Let us come together as a community for the better!
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Stay home. Everyone. Regardless of age, especially the elderly and those with health conditions. Consider this - If you have to go to the hospital, you will likely not be allowed visitors. The very masks and gloves that you may believe are protecting you now, will likely be unavailable to healthcare workers, jeopardizing not only their own safety but also yours. All the kaka-mama-chacha connections will be useless. And if there are not enough doctors or nurses, who will take care of you?
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Social distancing and frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds. Keep a 6-foot or more distance from others and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Yes, even your own family. As per CDC, the virus primarily spreads through droplets. Meaning, someone on the other side of the room could cough and spray the virus into the air. Worse, it spreads through asymptomatic transmission. Meaning, someone who looks perfectly healthy could be a carrier and unknowingly infect others. So please, if you really want to show your love for your family and friends, stay home.
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Stop hoarding. Food and medicine. Both are necessary for survival but luckily most of us have at least a bag of daal and rice. Order your 90-day supply of medication but please stop hoarding. Remember, there are others who also need supplies.
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Be kind. Times are tough and emotions are high. If you have an elderly neighbor or a friend in need, ask if you can pick up groceries and/or medication. Maybe leave a carton of milk outside their door. Remind them to stay home and wash their hands. If you must go to the grocery store, remember that cashiers are likely working endless hours for you. Say thank you and more importantly, respect their space by keeping a 6-foot distance.
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Count your blessings. Let’s take this time to cherish what we have with gratitude. Let’s do our individual part so we can collectively defeat this invisible enemy.
I would like to personally thank all the front line workers across the world for their selfless dedication. It is not just their job, it is our privilege! Let’s consciously remember that. Please, help my husband and all those with him on the front lines stay safe so they can keep us safe.
—Concerned physician’s wife in Tampa