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