Defining moment
I am on my sixties. I am vulnerable to internal and external pressures, physical the most. Gone are the days when movements were sharp, and in perfect shape. I was on top of every physical challenge. But not anymore. My system is degenerating. It is hard to turn back time. And for seniors, we just have to accept this relatable experience as a natural course in life. And in this trying time of the corona virus disease, it is just, I believe, normal to be scared. Much more that the figure of both deaths and confirmed cases are increasing.
According to reports, the projection is “about 58 new cases on March 18 and 116 cases on March 20. And if this trend continues, the total cumulative infected patients will be 1,611 by March 23. And if the dynamics does not change/improve, it can reach up to 18,300 the week after March 30”.
The report continues that “finally, by the end of the month, we might be grappling with 25,894 cases. If we do not have enough kits to test this much number of individuals, then expect that the number of confirmed cases to be reported to be lower than this”.
Numerous reasons however above all, we're concerned on the grounds that this number isn't something we accept our health care system can deal with. In Metro Manila, 800 individuals battled for one emergency clinic bed or a 1:800 proportion; and we were short by 42,000 hospital clinic beds. This number may have just improved since 2017, yet we are as yet stressed over the across the nation dispersion and accessibility of these facilities.
Given the cited situation, we have a major duty to satisfy. Every single one of us has the obligation to slow down this infection and to consider others during this time. Thus, in the event that we can stay away and keep somebody from drawing near to us that may be wiped out, we can spare our family, we can spare the older and help our country. Also, in my own little way, I regarded the call of the government as well as our health authorities to remain at home. Also, if important to go out, only to scarcely significant tasks.
The government, on a bigger scale, had taken such significant measures: a ban on leaving home except for reasons of work, health and emergency; the closure of all schools and universities, theaters, cinemas, bars, discos and restaurants; the closure of all shops except for groceries, pharmacies, banks and kiosks; the freezing of sporting events and masses.
The feeling that has prevailed in these weeks is that life is being placed on hold. What’s more, the moment we return to press the play button nothing will be the same as before.
Our enemy is the virus and now we have to do our utmost to protect our family, our loved ones, our neighbors, our country.
On the side note, I came across an article by Larry Peterson on Mar 14, 2020 about the name or term corona which traced in the city of Anzu, Italy. There is a basilica in Anzu where the relics of St. Corona have been preserved since the 9th century. The word Corona is Latin for crown. Ironically, St. Corona is considered a patron saint of pandemics. And in this defining moment that tests our ability to cooperate, be disciplined and our true concern for others, we pray for her intercession that we be healed and keep us away from this dreaded virus. We pray for us all that this pandemic subsides.
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