As the COVID-19 continues to spread, the public has been taking to social media to express concern over the disease and precautions they're taking to protect themselves.
Extreme times call for extreme measures. We thank our leaders and frontliners for saving the community.
VRS asked some of our friends how they are coping/dealing with the situation.
Maria Fe Evasco: Following authorities
"I deal with the covid situation by
following what our local government has strictly enforced and of course,
pray, pray and pray."
Fiel Angeli Gabin: Watching Netflix
"My coping mechanisms? Listening to
music, watching “Modern Family” on Netflix while folding clothes, and
praying the rosary with the Jerome, Cielo, REnji, and Mama Wincie. We
are now on our 7th day of novena for protection against COVID-19."
Andrew Baker: Being obedient
"In our country, medical experts and
politicians ordered us to stay at home for our safety and to follow the
precautionary measures to be always clean and healthy hence, the
quarantine. Our duty as citizens of this country and an individual of
the world is to simply follow the directions given by us, hope for the
best, and pray. Even at home, we can do something, like spreading
documented and legit information about the current situation online.The
doctors, nurses, peace officers, humanitarian aiders and other medical
experts did their part as citizens with roles just to eliminate this
virus. Likewise, we can be our own defintion of hero by simply being an
obedient, positive and disciplined citizens in this country, in the
world."
Dennissa Lorelle Owen: Keeping family updated
"I
believe that it's time for us to be one and to keep our faith to God as
He is the answer of everything. As a citizen, I am trying my very best
to follow the rules of the government because I know my simple obedience
will make a difference if practiced with love and willingness. I also
encourage my mutuals to be responsible in everything that they click
because there are many false news circulating in the media which causes
panic and horror to almost the majority.
I have used this time to cope up with
the stress I had and to connect to my family. I am catching up with the
household chores in order to help my parents. I am taking the rest that I
think I deserve too. I know that this pandemic is causing everyone to
panic and it can be upsetting but let us not forget that we are in this
together and God is more powerful."
Engr. Aprilmel Lupot: Staying can be fun
"Unfortunately, we had to shut down our
construction site but the Project Management Team had been working from
home for the past 11 days. It’s been very challenging to fight the
boredom of being isolated from everyone, especially from my family. But
thanks to technology, there’s always a way to communicate to everyone.
Like any normal day, I do grocery when needed, do laundry and cook for
myself. On workdays, I just sit with my laptop and keep the news on the
background. I try to move around as much as I can. Otherwise, I find
myself doing funny things I never thought I would do—like talking to
ants, separating the contents of a Dingdong Mixed Nuts and counting all
54 holes in one Skyflakes cracker!Kidding aside, I have been very
obedient by STAYING HOME. It's the least I can do to help flatten the
curve."
Jerome Magallen, Ph.D.: Family bonding
"Our ways of coping the situation
primarily includes the following: Always take time to pray that God
will help us overcome the crisis; we will pay attention on the
preventive measures and focus on the things that we can control to
avoid the virus; physical and mental well-being like making sure to get
enough sleep, eat healthy foods and supplements to boost the immune
system. As much as possible, we avoid news/articles in the social media
that increase our stress and anxiety; pre -occupied ourselves
cooperating with household chores like gardening and cleaning for us to
be more productive even in the quarantine period; and make use of the
time for family bonding."
Maria Vanessa Cadorna-Aumentado: Helping others
"While on home quarantine, I've been
observing the proper handwashing and teach the kids and other members of
our household to do the same, use of 70% alcohol, taking of Vitamin C
and wearing of mask if necessary have been practiced. Now, since a lot
of frontliners are risking their lives doing their job, in our own
little way we also prepared and provided them with alcohol, mask,
Vitamin C and other food supplies. This has been one of the most
difficult times, we can only hope for the best and pray that this too
shall pass anytime soon. Salute to all our frontliners! May everyone
be safe and healthy for the rest of the coming days."
Police Corporal Aldrin "PNP Beatbox King" Palaca: Washing my hands often
"Being one of the frontliners, we are
vulnerable to infection not only of Covid-19 but other viruses that we
might get during our deployment on field manning checkpoint operations.
Before going back to our home, I sanitize my uniform specially my shoes
to ensure the non-spreading of Covid-19 including other viruses that
our uniform may have picked up. I am washing my hands often."
Leah Tirol-Magno: Trusting G-d
" I face this situation with a trusting
heart that all this is part of a God's greater plan. While staying home
most of the time, I am spending it more in baking for others."
Dr. April Lumuthang-Froilan: Safety protocols
"Being a doctor, I have no choice but to
go out and see patients despite the enhanced community quarantine
protocols. I just follow proper hygiene and safety protocols.Whenever
I'm home, I keep myself busy doing household chores,doing my favorite
pastime, and last but not the least, I pray. It's the greatest weapon to
end this dreaded disease."
Ate Vi Yorong: Social distancing
"At the office I make sure that social
distancing is strictly followed as well as the "no face mask no entry
policy." At home I strictly impose home quarantine to my nieces staying
with me especially that we are taking care of my 81-year-old father who
had a stroke in 2018. I beg for consideration on the "no back ride
policy" because I work together with my niece who drives her motorcycle.
Sadly, because of the "no back ride policy" we just commute. I just
thank the multicab drivers that despite the implementation of the social
distancing, they are there for the public."
Atty. Dave Maulas: Self-introspection
"The last time I was in a confined
environment was when I was on my 6-month review for the bar exam. It
took a toll on my psyche, brought about by the stress expected during
the grueling review. It took a toll on my finances, as I was jobless
during such time. This COVID-19 situation overwhelms in comparison,
especially under the present circumstance where I have people who rely
from me for support. The confinement, not voluntary; income-generating
activities, restricted; dealing with unseen enemy, way more stressful.
But I'm dealing this situation with a similar mindset, that is to
emerge as a better version of myself after all of this. Perhaps a better
lawyer given the time to read more, perhaps a better family-man given
the time to be with the family more, perhaps a more-skilled individual
(dancer, singer, gardener) given the spare time to learn new skills, or
simply perhaps a better person. Like on a cocoon, emerging thereafter as
butterfly."
Elvie Bongosia: Sleeping galore
"Sleeping galore, reading inspirational books and movie marathon!"
***
This inspirational "letter" from reader Anne Mustasa (address not given) she culled from the internet.
Dear PANDEMIC
You’re back. But this time it’s different.
You came in 1918 as the Spanish Flu, infected one-third of us and killed over 50 million of us. Then you vanished as fast as you came.
You returned in 1957 as the Asian Flu and killed 2 million of us. Then you were gone.
You appeared again in 2009 as H1N1 - the Swine Flu. You infected a quarter of us and 200,000 of us died - less than the deaths each year from the common flu.
And here you are again today.
Each time we call you a Pandemic.
Each time we panic.
Each time you kill far less of us, and yet we panic far more.
Because you are NOT a pandemic of DEATH or even DISEASE. You are a pandemic of FEAR.
In December of 2019, that fear showed up in our media, in our stock markets, and in our, every day lives....that same big fright you've given us today.
But you’ve been here several times and this time, we see you for who you really are:
A GLOBAL GHOST of our WORRIES, ANXIETIES and deepest FEARS.
And as with any ghost, you can only grow if we feed you.
And if we don’t, YOU DISAPPEAR.
(John 10:10- "The thief [Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy...")
So this time,
instead of FEAR, we choose FREEDOM
“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I
have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1
Instead of PANIC, we chose PEACE.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
Instead of LOSS, we chose LOVE.
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." - I John 4:16
Thank you for VISITING.
We appreciate the REMINDER.
YOU CAN GO NOW.
** To turn VIRAL FRIGHT to VIRAL FIGHT:
1 - PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY PRAY!!!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be
thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong
to Christ Jesus.)
WASH YOUR HANDS
(Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
3 - CALM YOUR MIND
(John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give
to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do
not be afraid.)
4 - PASS THIS MESSAGE ON
(Mark 16:15 - And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.)
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