Let us help each other

 

Bohol Capitol

The province of Bohol will temporarily close its borders as part of its "preventive measure" against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Governor Arthur Yap signed executive order (EO) No. 8 declaring "community quarantine" all over the province effective March 16 until March 20.

 

Yap said that since health is a primary public concern, it is within his mandate to protect the people.

 

“We need this (community quarantine) so we can have a direction on how to beat this problem and how to take care each of other,” Yap added.

 

We will be partially, conditionally quarantined or locked down (whichever term you prefer) for four days. It's a bitter pill but necessary.

 

Last week, I decided to cancel my trips outside Bohol because it is time for us to follow and observe community quarantine and social distancing measures to avoid overwhelming our hospitals with persons under investigation (PUIs) and confirmed cases. The more patients we send in, the greater number of doctors and nurses will be quarantined. I don't want their operations will be disrupted.

 

Jeycelle Espejo-Inting of Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School shared a relevant article on her Facebook about social distancing.

 

"It might be a very alien concept to Filipinos but this will be crucial in the next few days and weeks.

 

"DO YOUR PART as a good Filipino citizen by staying at home, avoiding social gatherings, meetings and crowded places. You never know whether the person you stood next to or spoke to or sat with was exposed or not. Especially since we cannot test everybody at the moment and we are still waiting for more test kits. Social Distancing is infinitely more productive than insisting on going to a crowded place and using a mask meant for use by HCW healthcare workers(!)"

 

"Just think about this: The moment you get sick, you put your entire household at risk (risk particularly increases if you happen to live with your older relatives, parents.

 

"It is NOT business as usual. This is the reason why schools have been suspended and companies have allowed employees to work from home. Large gatherings, conferences and meetings have been postponed. Travelling might not be a good idea right now.

 

"Maintain good hygiene, take care of yourself to boost your immune system, practice cough etiquette and proper hand washing.

 

"If you are ordered to self-quarantine for two weeks, do it properly (no cheating!)
Monitor for symptoms, do NOT panic.

 

"The concept is to LOWER and DELAY the EPIDEMIC PEAK. This will ensure that our hospitals are not overwhelmed and those most vulnerable (60 and up) are protected with adequate resources."

 

Here's another article shared to us by reader Jocelyn Peñaflor (address unknown):

 

*QUIET CHINA*
Written by a Chinese Pastor sent to a brother in Istanbul via friends in Singapore

 

The hustle and bustle of China finally quiets down, the restless society comes to a still, and the restless Chinese people gradually calm down.

 

The wild animals that were once held by humans in cages finally managed to keep humans in cages.

 

Humans finally lower their proud head and have begun to think quietly: are we still the king of the earth?

 

Mankind finally feels the power of nature once again.

 

In the face of the threat of death, human beings have only begun to reflect seriously, only to realize that a lack of awe-inspiring social atmosphere will lead to more harm and more risks.

The greedy heart is being purified by the virus, and the mouth that loves to eat is being punished by the virus. The people who have been soaking in the bright red and green places all day have been driven home by the virus, saying.... "Go home!"

 

There are fewer and fewer people on the street, few cars on the road.

 

The air is getting fresher...., the haze is gone..., the sky is getting bluer...., the sun is getting brighter...., family lives are getting warmer, harmonial, and cordial.  People's hearts have become more and more calm.

 

People who haven’t read for years have picked up books at home. Parents and children who had no communication, couples who couldn’t speak few words a year have opened up the conversation box.  Children who do not know how to respect the elderly have began to be filial.

The virus teaches human beings a vivid and profound lesson. It makes us understand awe. It also lets us know what is called "good times".

It also makes us feel true love on earth. It makes us gradually fall in love  "Return to the Road", we really should be grateful for this "enemy", we need such an enemy to give us a "reminder" and give us  "empowerment".

 

The virus will not leave so quickly. It needs to see the CULTIVATION of human good habits. The virus will not continue to rag, because human love will gather more power to keep the virus away. Time will tell us everything. time will also prove what is right.

 

The virus reminds us that THERE IS AN ALMIGHTY.  And humans are just humans.

 

And an anonymous letter forwarded to us by our readers, I think worthy to be shared:

 

To All Boholanos,

 

I know how hard it is to absorb the economic downturn due to Ncov19. Some employees were forced leave for a month or indefinitely. In short, jobless.

 

Bohol is strongly dependent in tourism; no tourist, no income.  And this does not stop there.  The multiplier effect is very evident. Tours and events turn out so low, flights are cancelled, Hotel reservation almost zero, restos, small time and big-time business owners are now worried how to sustain the business in the next few months(rent, utilities and salaries).Van owners too are hardly hit. No tour means no money to pay the monthy car loans.

 

Let us help this Govt manage and overcome the spread of this virus by exercising due deligence and be responsible on our own actions. Keep all Elders and kids away from people with travel history. Avoid socializing for the meantime (Distance Socializing muna).

 

Sa mga tourist van drivers, receptionist sa mga resorts and hotel, if you feel you were exposed with the virus, do a self qurantine and get yourself tested.

 

Sa mga seaman, please lang gyud do, malooy mo sa Bohol, let us keep the stat. You know what to do.

 

LET US AVOID COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION, HOPE and PRAY FOR THE BEST.

 

KEEP BOHOL a COVID19 FREE.

 

My prayer: "Our G-d and G-d of all generations, in our great need we pour out our hearts to You. The days and weeks of suffering are hard to endure. In our struggle, let us feel that You are near, a presence whose care enfolds us. Rouse in us the strength to overcome fear and anxiety, and brighten our spirits with the assurance of Your love."

 

We can draw strength from the 2013 earthquake. It was kindness at its finest.

Thank you to all our leaders, doctors, nurses, police, army, Coast Guard, emergency responders
and volunteers.

 

Let us help each other. Shame on those who think only of themselves in times of crisis.

 

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