This year has been a trying time for many for multiple reasons. COVID-19 is possibly at the top of everyone’s list as being the most annoying and troubling occurrence that has ever plagued humanity. Not only are we forced to stay indoors and away from persons we love, many have lost lives and livelihood. Thousands (millions) are reported to be infected by this virus. These reports have made many fearful and worried about the future. We are now experiencing what is termed as “the new normal”. Governments all over the world are asking their citizens to comply with the protocols set out to curb the spread of the pandemic. The major ones we hear each day are to social distance, sanitize and wear a mask.
There are a few who do not deem it necessary to comply. They believe that COVID-19 is a hoax. They view these acts as a way to be a slave to the state and its system. They are of the view that their freedoms are being taken away. There are a few who believe that it is a tool to usher in the mark of the beast (as highlighted in the biblical book of Revelation). Some believe it is an avenue to control the population. There are many more floating around. Is there any truth to all these theories?
One thing I have observed, despite it all, is that our medical professionals are getting the brunt of the work. They are literally working themselves sick. That is happening irrespective of what we believe about the virus. The Internal Medicine Resident body of the University Hospital of the West Indies (Jamaica) addressed a letter to Dr. Mindi Fitz-Henley, the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) President. The body stated that they are understaffed and overworked owing to the influx of COVID-19 patients. They mentioned that the designated wards for the pandemic are filled to capacity. There is a shortage of physical resources as well. The doctors are on the brink of burn out, if they have not been burnt out already.
I spoke to doctors who are friends about the issue before this letter was publicized. One expressed that there are inadequate personal protective equipment for the medical staff. Another mentioned that the environment is highly stressful because they have no idea what they are dealing with. Working a 12 to 18-hour shift cannot be easy, especially with little to no rest. These people have been working nonstop at this issue since March 2020. It is now August and the number of cases has skyrocketed more than ever before.
Is COVID-19 a conspiracy? I cannot say “yay” or “nay”. I am not in the medical profession. I am just a simple human being. However, I feel for those who work in the hospitals because they place their lives on the line to keep our nation and our world safe.
While we cannot go into the hospitals and help out, we can do our part in whatever setting we find ourselves in. We should seek to pray for the strength and health of medical professionals as they serve the sick. We should pray for the healing of those who are affected by the virus. We should also do our duty by complying to the protocols outlined for us, as long as it is not outside of our core values. If we (at least) protect ourselves, we will reduce the burden on those who serve in the field of medicine.
Social distancing, though it demands sacrifice, does not mean we should not be social. We should check on our friends and family using the tools and technologies we have. Wearing a mask does not mean we have to muzzle our faith. In fact, it is the time to be more vocal about the transient nature of temporary things and point to true satisfaction. Sanitizing our spaces does good for us even outside of the threat of the pandemic. It keeps our surroundings clean. It keeps us healthy and clean.
This is not a call for us to fear what is happening in our world. It is an invitation to partner with those who need our help at this time. Our medical professionals need us. Our world needs us. Let’s answer the call. They are humans too.
Photo by Ajala Kings (IG: @ajalakings)