I'm wearing a mask for you

Wearing a mask, for most of us, is novel. But we need to wear masks in these days of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and the community.

At lunchtime Saturday in the neighborhood, people were out and most were not wearing masks.

I can’t say I was surprised. Even though Bohol has only 29 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease, a lot of people have begun acting as if the pandemic is over. 

Wearing a mask, for most of us, is novel. So others are in "rebellion." 

But, yes, I'm wearing a mask in these days of COVID-19, to protect myself and the community. Wearing a mask is a true sign of respect for others; it's not an impingement on one’s freedom.

"I wear a face mask for protection from the spread of the dreaded Covid-19 virus, " says Maria Fe Evasco, manager of the National Food Authority (NFA)- Bohol. 

For multi-awarded youth leader Clement Paulinel Ingking, coronavirus is real. 

"Wearing a mask isn’t only about protecting you or your family, but also it’s about protect others that may die if they get the virus," says Clement who is also a village councilman in Booy. 

"This isn’t a flu, it is real. Until you have actually taken care of those patients in the ICU, you don’t even come close to imagining what they are going through! The two main reasons I wear masks. There's some evidence of protection for the wearer, but the stronger evidence is that masks protect others from catching an infection from the person wearing the mask. And infected people can spread the virus just by talking. So I highly encourage everyone to wear a mask and please wear it properly, " adds Clement. 

Bohol's Baking Mama Leah Tirol-Magno says masks help stop the spread of coronavirus. 

"I wear mask because it is the right thing to do. I care for myself and I care for others," says Leah, an educator- agri-entrepreneur. 

Experts say a key transmission route of COVID-19 is via droplets that fly out of our mouths—that includes when we speak, not just when we cough or sneeze. A portion of these droplets quickly evaporate, becoming tiny particles whose inhalation by those nearby is hard to prevent. 

I also know that homemade masks aren't as effective as surgical-grade PPE, but let's leave the PPE for medical people.

If you have extra money, you can buy a face shiled to protect you more when in public places. 

I am using face shield to protect myself when I'm in public places. I think face shield provides better facial protection than masks, as well as being reusable, breathable and more comfortable. It prevents me from touching my face and makes it easier for me to communicate with others. 

Meanwhile, here' s a very short essay I've read on Facebook why wearing mask is important. I don't know the original author is, but I think it's worth to ponder. 

I wear a mask 😷 in public,stand two meters apart from you and I wash my hands.

I want you to know that I respect you and that I could be asymptomatic and give you the virus.

No, I don't "live in fear" of the virus, I just want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

I don't feel like the "government controls me", I feel like I'm a responsible adult contributing to society.

The world doesn't revolve around me.

 

This virus does not know my race, color, age or any status.

Wearing a mask and standing two meters apart doesn't make me paranoid, weak, scared, stupid or even "controlled", it makes me caring and respectful. 

I wear my mask to protect you.

You wear your mask to protect me.

We should all wear masks.

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TinTin Ng is giving back during the Coronavirus pandemic

Boholana actressTintin Ng is doing her part to help other people as the coronavirus spreads in the province.

Amid the pandemic, celebrities and artists have been using their platforms to spread awareness, whether it's by sharing videos of themselves washing their hands or advising fans to stay home and practice social distancing. 

As the coronavirus spreads in the country, actress and performer Christine “Tintin” Ng 

is doing her part to help.

Tintin is feeding children at Sunshine Home and at the Tagbilaran old dumpsite area. 

She also joined her friends distributing food packs, face masks and vitamins courtesy of actress and entrepreneur Kate Brios to frontliners in Getafe and other parts of Bohol. 

"In times like this, it is very important to be united and support however we can to help our fellow kababayans," Tintin said. 

The Boholana actress was able to go home before the lockdown on March 16 to be with her family. 

She will stay here until it will be safe to travel back to Manila for her pending projects and appearances on TV. 

But helping other people in her own small ways is keeping her busy. 

"We need to stand together and care for one another," she added.

Tintin was discovered by the late Boholano renowned director Maryo delos Reyes. 

She appears in Nandito Ako Nagmamahal Sa ‘Yo (2008), I’ll Be There (2010) and in some indie films like Biktima (2010), Pendong (2010) and Mainit (2011).

Her breakthrough role, however, was on GMA 7’s Dwarfina and Munting Heredera which showcased Tintin’s natural acting. 

On and off the camera, Tintin makes you laugh with her wits. 

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The power of a simple 'thank you'

Thank you.

These are two words that some of us take for granted especially in this age where we do multi-tasking and are preoccupied with so many activities in the world.

When I wrote a piece about Mother's Day last Sunday, a simple "thank you" from featured friends it melt the writer's heart. And if the subjects had received a positive write-up responds that was another bonus.

Of course, there is no law requiring people to do that. But saying "thank you"  is more than an act of courtesy, it’s a way of crossing frontiers on an emotional, personal and emotional level.

During the pandemic, some bashed our barangay, municipal and provincial  officials for being so slow... but mind you they are doing their best to protect and help us.  Why not recognize others for who they are, and for the qualities that cause us to love them?

We should also thank our frontliners (health-care workers, fish and vegetable vendors, cashiers, security guards, barangay officials, police, army, mediamen, et al) and countless other people, they also take risks oftentimes at the expense of their loved ones.

All of us are deeply grateful to all of them  who are working tirelessly to help keep our communities safe.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

***

So how can you keep your sanity in the time of COVID-19? 

Most of us are in fear of anxiety and having sleepless nights and not eating properly being quarantined for two months. 

Psychology Today shared some tips in managing anxiety during this extraordinary time:

*Stay informed and updated on the news—but (important but) limit your exposure to TV images of pain and suffering so as not to become overwhelmed by grief. Consider reading the news online or in a “real” newspaper instead.

*Focus on the positive actions you can take to prevent exposure to the virus, including social distancing, hand-washing, and wearing a face mask while you’re around others in places like grocery and liquor stores.

*Don’t catastrophize or minimize the health crisis by exaggerating statistics or allowing loudly opinionated, under-informed public figures to influence you.

*Remind yourself “this too shall pass,” and when it does we will have changed, hopefully for the better if we learn from our experiences to be more resilient as we face future challenges.

*Reflect with gratitude on everything good and positive in your life and in the world.

*Think about your loved ones, your shared histories, things you’ve been through and survived together in the past.

*Make sure that voice in your head we refer to as “self-talk” directs your thoughts and actions from a place of information and positive action, not fear.

*Get outside (socially distanced as needed, of course) into the sunlight and nature. There is a beautiful springtime unfolding out there, and a walk or hike can do wonders for you.

*Have flowers and green plants in your home. Their beauty and "aliveness" are inspiring.
Listen to upbeat music. Dance! It’s incredibly therapeutic.

*Celebrate joyfully each positive step toward resolving the COVID-19 pandemic and those on the front lines caring for the ill.

*Laugh. Regularly. Watch funny shows, movies, and stand-up comedy.

*And one final tip: Give yourself permission to cry as needed. It's healthy and a normal human compassionate response to suffering, and we are all suffering. Even the most resilient people need to vent the buildup of sadness at all we are living and witnessing. It's a hard time we are all going through together. But we can get through it together, while holding it together too.

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Fiestas in Bohol in time of COVID-19

The bigger the inasal, the better. Contributed Photo

The community quarantine imposed in localities as a precaution against the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has snuffed out the fiesta atmosphere in Bohol.

May is a special month for Boholanos because it is during this month when every sitio, barangay, town and city in Bohol has a fiesta everyday.

But this year, the fiestas are being celebrated in isolation, as strict coronavirus lockdown measures remain in place around the province preventing social gatherings.

Tagbilaran City was silent on Friday, May 1 even as it celebrated its fiesta and transitioned to more relaxed measures against COVID-19.

The city was under a one-day “lockdown” to make sure there wouldn’t be too much merrymaking and to prevent people from converging.

In Tagbilaran City, residents have been advised to avoid gatherings with friends and family and are being told to celebrate in private.

May 1 marked the city’s fiesta in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, and starts the merry month of May, where there is a fiesta in every place in Bohol every day.

Fiestas in Bohol, which are very much embedded in the psyche of every Boholano,  are characterized by an abundance of food, plenty of beer and tuba and mass gathering. 

What made Bohol fiesta unique is that anyone can roam around the province for the entire month without having to pay money for food because everyone is putting up a feast to celebrate the fiesta.

Fiestas in Bohol are characterized by an abundance of food, plenty of beer and tuba and mass gathering.  File Photo

But since the city was placed on lockdown on Friday, all was silent when the mood was supposed to be festive, colorful, and bright.

There were few vehicles along its thoroughfares. There were also no banderitas and fanfare or any indications of the fiesta celebration.

“It doesn’t really feel like fiesta,” said Booy resident Nita Niluag who was looking forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating fiesta with her children. Then the coronavirus disrupted life.

"Normally, the stores are opened and crowded. The house is full with friends and family with the joy and excitement of fiesta," she added.

Churches were still closed and Holy Masses were still held in private.

Friday's Pontifical Mass, for example, tend to bring in more parishioners

This year, it’s just Bishop Abet Uy, some priests and a four-person camera crew.

The sermon was shorter, without the “amens” from the pews.

It was different when parishioners have to type “amen” in the comments of a livestreamed service or shout “Hallelujah!” alone at home.

Sister Precy was one of those who came to the cathedral on Friday to pray before the closed doors of the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in  to celebrate the saint’s feast day on May 1.

She said it was so different to watch Holy Mass online. She felt like she was just observing a show instead of participating in a worship.

“Here, you can feel the presence of the Lord. You can hear His voice through the bishop and priests who are officiating the mass,” said the 56-year-old visionary.

“It’s the music, it’s the people, it’s the Word that moves you,” she said. 

Sister Precy said she prayed for the end of the pandemic.

“It’s important to remember that a quarantined fiesta does not detract from the holiday. It strengthens its messages of G-d’s love, helping and praying for other people in this moment of darkness and doubt,” Sister Precy said.

Many residents hooked up with the online mass of the diocese because it is better that way than not having observed religious practices at all.

The good of the pandemic, it has renewed  spritual ties with the Lord with the nightly family rosary with special intention for protection against COVID-19, said Cogon resident Fiel Angeli Araoarao.

Sister Precy on quarantined fiesta: “It strengthens its messages of G-d’s love, helping and praying for other people in this moment of darkness and doubt.' LPU

The realities of the fiesta season, Boholanos really roll out the best for their visitors — at all cost to the point of borrowing money from " loan shark".

Pigs were bought a month and others raised a pig three months before the fiesta. The bigger the pig, the better.

Others would slaughter additional pig for "bring house."

Inasal (roasted pig) is the center piece of fiesta. Some have biggest "inasal" you’ll ever see - 80 to 90 kilos.

There is also a practice of "bandihay" wherein the "sangga" (partner) would support each other financially during fiesta. The first to celebrate the fiesta will be the first to use the money and return the favor in time he/she is celebrating fiesta.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fiesta celebrations in Bohol are going to look different for thousands of families.

Some residents still prepared food in their homes in thanksgiving to their patron and G-d.

“We have prepared a small feast just for the family,” said Hilda Vertulfo, 38, and a resident of Barangay Cogon.

“However, visitors and friends are not invited at this time," she said.

The world is changing, but fiesta is here to stay.

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Easter Sunday in the age of coronavirus

Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone, but churches have largely canceled their Easter Sunday celebrations or moved masses online due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed the landscape for all of us and continues to evolve.

This year, it prevents us from gathering Sunday for church services including the Easter. But still the message is the same: Christ is risen from the dead. We are one with Him again.

Easter is about victory --and we hope we become victorious in arresting the virus.

What better way to honor the sacrifice Jesus made, and celebrate the hope He offered to us through His sacrifice, than with songs of praise and love!

Your VRS has 4 favorite Easter songs and hymns. You can read alongside the Psalms and the Gospels "to feel" the spirit of the Easter. Many streaming Easter services will lack choirs. But if you yearn for uplifting religious music it’s easy to access.

Jesus took the sting for us so that we wouldn’t have too, so join with me in singing, “Hallelujah!”

 

1. Amazing Grace. A beautiful hymn written by John Newton in 1779.

Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home.

 

2. Because He Lives.  It is not just popular around Easter or on Resurrection Sunday but all year long because the lyrics are timeless truth that comforts the believers.

 

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

 

Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone, but churches have largely canceled their Easter Sunday celebrations or moved masses online due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Photo by Leo Udtohan

3.  Christ the Lord is Risen Today. The hymn perfectly fits the Easter Gospel of the Lord's resurrection.

 

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!

4. My Redeemer Lives. This brings us to the cross and to the grave, and the one is found empty because the Redeemer lives.

I know He rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe, I believe

My shame He's taken away
My pain is healed in His name
I believe, I believe

I'll raise a banner
My Lord Has conquered the grave

My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives
My redeemer lives

 

4. I Serve a Risen Savior.  The miraculous lesson of Easter is that through Jesus' death on the Cross, we have been granted a second chance—permission to leave our old lives behind and stand before the pristine, unmarred canvas of a new day, with all its potential for joy and choices that honor God.

 

I serve a risen Savior,

He's in the world today;

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him

He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and He talks with me

Along life's narrow way.

He lives, He live, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives:

He lives within my heart.

 

***
Passover traditions change
as the coronavirus spreads

 

While the original Passover took place over 3,000 years ago, its story is just as relevant today as it was back then. It is a testament to Israel’s survival of the Ten Plagues and the Exodus from Egypt.

 

Since the pandemic is affecting all of us, we are encouraged to spend more time at home to be saved. It is also a great opportunity to remember the Passover and G-d's everlasting love for those who believed in Him either Jew or Gentile. .

 

We hope and pray that every person in need of healing be healed, and all the other burdens be removed, and we wish for a healthy, liberating  and kosher Passover!

 

While times are trying now, this too shall pass! Great is Thy Faithfulness!

 

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Coronavirus: Here's how they are coping in uncertain times

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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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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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.