In medical school, I was taught how to deal with various emergencies. This included situations that involved endemics, epidemics and pandemics. Even with that knowledge in hand, I never would have fathomed that I would witness a pandemic of such gargantuan proportions in my lifetime.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports, that the Covid-19 virus has afflicted almost 2 million people and caused the untimely deaths of over 100,000 individuals. Amidst these monumental figures are many whom have recovered, a distinct and present sign that there is hope.
Even as scientists and medical healthcare experts across the globe work tirelessly, there is still so much more that is not known about the virus. I am inspired to see industry players coming together to share information and expertise in a bid to flatten the curve and seek out a cure.
I am also encouraged by the collective and cohesive measures undertaken by the medical and healthcare fraternity in Malaysia to provide care and comfort to those who are ill. I am confident that there is an immense sharing of resources within the industry to ensure that every possible action is taken to halt the spread of the virus.
Up until a few weeks ago, I know that many of us would have had the notion that the calamity in Wuhan, China “would not happen to me”. As the virus arrived at the doorsteps of what is now over 200 countries, first starting as a trickle but rapidly escalating into a deluge, we must rethink our views and perspectives on health and hygiene. From being mindful of our diet choices to embracing basic routines such as wearing a mask when we are unwell, we must realise that our individual state of health can have dire effects on another person.
The Movement Control Order (MCO) or Extended Movement Control Order (EMCO) imposed in our country may be less than convenient but it is a mitigative effort that is absolutely necessary. The men and women enforcing the order risk their welfares to keep our health and wellbeing safe, and the last thing they need is for their efforts to be met with indignance.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone working at the frontlines of this crisis. From the medical practitioners and allied health staff members who persevere around the clock to save lives, to those involved in the provision of critical services such as food, pharmaceutical, security, sanitation, communications, finance, transportation and the likes. What you do is extremely important to provide a sense of normalcy to our daily lives.
I remain hopeful, even when I have been chided for being too optimistic, in what can be a negative world. I firmly believe that when we value life, we will have hope that tomorrow will be better than today. Let us keep spreading a message of hope and do our bit to keep each other safe.
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. All contents here is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please consult with your health care professional to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment.