COVID article – proof read
I write this article in April hoping that, by the time it is read, the world will be in a better place and that Thailand will have regained normality after the fight with the virus. I sincerely hope that everyone reading this remains safe and that your families have been unaffected. I also hope, for anyone who has children at home, that you have survived the trials of trying to juggle your life, your children’s schooling and your own work!
In times of crisis, we discover the best and the worst of humanity. Unfortunately, in some countries we have seen increased xenophobia, bullying behaviour and some businesses treating their employees poorly. However, there has been so much good that we have seen: people volunteering their time, giving money and going out of their way to help those around them. At King’s Bangkok, we have tried to do our part in raising social awareness. We would like to use this article to help further the key messages:
V_R_S: only “I” and “U” can break the chain.
“Alone Together”, led by Siriraj Hospital, aims to prevent further outbreak of COVID-19 by increasing awareness of the distance we should keep between each other, so that we can look after everyone’s safety.
We have known for a long time that the virus is passed mainly through water droplets. To keep ourselves safe, we must keep at least one metre away from the nearest person. This is ‘physical distancing’. However, it is essential that we do not distance ourselves socially. Now, more than ever, we must continue to support those around us and to keep connected. We must not lose the common values of love and community.
Personally, I was unfortunate to have several of the symptoms common to the virus: high fever, sore throat, tiredness and body aches. (Although I think most middle-aged people with young children have the last two all the time!) I was able to go to Siriraj Hospital as soon as I felt well enough to, wearing a mask and ensuring I washed my hands thoroughly. I have to say that the test was quick, painless and completely stress-free. The healthcare professionals were outstanding in their care for me throughout, and I would like to thank them for making this process so easy for me. They telephoned the next day to share my NEGATIVE result. If you are unsure whether to take the test, or if you are worried about it, please do not be: go and have the test done now!
Look after yourselves and look after each other by physical distancing and by doing what you can for those in need.
