Mar 17, 20207 min read

Facing COVID-19 pandemic: What can and should we do? #COVID19

Updated: Mar 19, 2020

#Physicaldistancing We say NO to ANY close contacts. #stayhome #staysafe

Not long ago, to be exact 5 days ago, WHO has declared COVID-19 as a pandemic This is not a lightly made decision. COVID-19 epidemic started around the end of 2019 to the beginning of 2020. Unfortunately, it has been going on for quite some time, with a sign of spreading worldwide. However, I was not planning to write my blog related to this pandemic initially, because I feel that the social media or other platforms have been sharing tonnes of related information. I believe we all have enough readings to do. I also get fed-up by the endless and overwhelming news or articles that keep drowning in. So, the main problem here is really not about accessing the information, it is nonetheless, the root-problem of decision-making. Which information is reliable and which is not? Google it now and you can easily get up to a hundred thousand of different information, from YouTube to blog, from news to rumours, even on the WhatsApp.

At this moment in time, some communities try to grasp the opportunity to catch your attention by using the word “COVID-19” OR “coronavirus”. They basically can do anything, from civilised to uncivilised ways to get famous. I could not believe that even in Malaysia, there are also people who spit on the lift buttons or at the corridors on purpose. I do not know what is the best way to explain their intentions here. I wish that the whole community can be more prepared and well-educated on facing pandemic (or epidemic), in the hope that humanity can be restored.

“Having the right mindset and attitude can literally SAVE your life!”

ANXIETY outbreak!

At times, I am wondering why am I writing this. What is the point of me going through COVID-19 while the whole world is flooding with people who are doing so? After receiving many calls and texts from friends and family around the world, asking me for insights, I decided to write my humble opinion on the gist of handling such a situation. Besides, I have just witnessed a scene that I do not wish to see and received texts that I do not wish to hear. It is happening everywhere in Malaysia where everyone is panicking about the lockdown, there are long queues and empty shelves, with the toxic trend of clearing the toilet rolls section.

“Fears of a lockdown have prompted panic buying of food and consumer goods at many supermarkets in the major cities, in expectation of an official announcement by the government tonight” -- FMT News

I could not agree more to the article from BBC News under the health section just a few hours ago. It stresses the importance of mental health in this situation. [Please refer to this link for the full article Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health]. As I mentioned in my previous blog, mental health and well-being is my primary concern! This scenario that is happening around us is sick, and it is all over the news. With the advancement of internet and technology, all sorts of information can be shared easily, however, majority of the people are not capable of filtering them, resulting in a swift spreading of false news intentionally or unintentionally. This chaotic act leads to a variety of problems like anxiety outbreak, racism, or outrage behaviours. At this moment, the Malaysia government is still unsure of locking down the country, despite a huge spike in new cases. Congregations and events with more than two hundred people are still on-going in Malaysia. Doctors and The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) are urging the government to impose a nation lockdown and to stop any activities with close contacts, yet it is taken lightly. Surprisingly, there are many government supporters who do not want a lockdown. [I am relieved to hear that just a few minutes ago, official news is released, the government is finally locking down the nation (partial lockdown, a restrictive movement order) starting from the 18th, which is the day after tomorrow until the end of March (hmm… I am wondering where their confidence comes from).]

Please do not get me wrong, locking down the country/ restrictive movement does NOT mean imprisoning you. If you understand how the lockdown works, (please refer to China), you still can go out for grocery shopping. So, what should we actually do now?

Individual perspective: What can and should we do personally?

Mentally:

Be calm. Stress can lower your immune system. Please do not trust ALL the information that you obtain over social media. NOT ALL of them are true! Learn to filter.
Do not initiate chaos or panic: Do not spread news or information that may cause anxiety or panic among society. Again, learn to filter. (By a simple act of filtering information can make a HUGE difference!)
Be strong. You are much more capable than you think!
It is time for you to liberate your inner-self! Perfect time to relax and improve yourself, by reading self-help books or getting a new hobby!

Physically:

Reduce close-contact activities: Try to avoid commute in public transportations. Try not to go for unnecessary meetups. With the advancement of technology, we can still socialise without close contact. We do not even need to write and post a letter in order to talk to anyone! So, grab your phone and start texting! P.S.: Indeed, socialising and continuing to talk to friends about your current situation would be helpful. (I admire how Italy sing their national Anthems at their balcony during the lockdown). So, NO ONE stops you from having fun or singing even there is a lockdown. So, SING!
Avoid travelling.
Do not catch a cold. It seems weird for me to write this, but I realise Malaysians love to sit directly under the air-conditioning or fan with the full-speed running. Blow-dry your hair after a shower. You can apply cold-vaporising ointment around your neck and chest area to prevent catching a cold. Wear a scarf if you need to.
Wear a legit mask if you are going out
Sanitisation is the key. Wash your hands properly and frequently and do not touch your face.
Be hygienic. Wash your hands, legs, and face after a day outside. Shower as soon as possible.
Boost up your immune system:

Do more exercise. i.e. yoga or Taiji at home, hiking if you are living in rural area (it is good to inhale fresh clean air)
Eat a balanced diet, consume healthy food: recommend to get food remedies as accordingly (time for you to read-up and learn from your local physicians or nutritionists). However, I do not imply to simply consume any herbs or medications that are shared on social media. Please seek professional advice from the appropriate authorities. Suitable supplements with the correct amount are an option with the condition of limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Taking a specific food or fruit, i.e. banana, gingers in a huge amount is highly not recommended. It is beneficial when consuming in an appropriate amount, however, it does more harm if you take them excessively.
Have sufficient rest. Sleep early (before 11 pm) and wake up early.
Regulate your bowel movement. It is important to detox every day.
Avoid fried and heaty food.
Avoid cold or iced drinks.

Call the helplines given by the Ministry of Health (MOH) if you suspect that you are infected.

What the society can do:

Be considerate: Stocking up food, herbs and medicine is advisable, however, just take the amount that you need. Whatever you need, the other families need it too.
Be helpful: DO NOT simply judge others (doctors or victims). Do not be selfish is a good way of being helpful. Try to be in one’s shoe. Try to achieve and maintain a harmonious environment, do not create chaos.
Be supportive and be kind to one another: Spread positive vibes! WATCH ELLEN’S SHOWS! #ElllenDegeneres #TheEllenShow
Quality time with your friends and family: I know this can be difficult, but this is a great opportunity for you to hear out one another.

What the government should actually do:

Covid-19: Malaysia's pandemic action plan activated for the coronavirus . Government says that they are preparing for the worst. It seems that they are doing their part, by preparing the medical facilities and drugs needed.

Nevertheless, I hope that the government can learn and accept help from experienced countries. For instance, Italy has received helps from China. Italy’s health authorities have pleaded with the countries’ friends and allies for emergency supplies. On Thursday, they finally arrived — from Shanghai. The China Eastern flight brought a medical team and 31 tonnes of supplies including ventilators.

What the healthcare providers can do:

Remember your Hippocratic Oath, your passion of being a healthcare provider! This is the time for you to serve and go on the field! After five years or more training, this is the time for you to use your knowledge and skills.

Please do:

Try to be patient and helpful. Listen to their problems and share your professional knowledge as accordingly.
Protect and keep yourself safe. Take necessary precautions
Educate your patients well.
Thorough and careful diagnosis.

Please do not:

Wore out yourself. Get power nap or rest whenever you can. As mentioned above, it is important to educate the public on the ethical issue regarding healthcare providers. They should also receive the rest as they needed, rather than shaming or criticising them.
Try to take advantage of anyone, especially on the weak and under privilege.

#coronavirus #COVID19 #pandemic #mentalhealth #restorehumanity #whatcanwedo #101healthcareproject #healthcare #traditionalchinesemedicine #holisticmedicine

In summary, do not cause more chaos, stay calm and stay well-mannered throughout this time. Please bear in mind that we should constantly improve our healthcare knowledge. Please filter and check for reliable sources. Last but not least, everyone is trying to brainwash you with products or things, just try to learn to filter them as well.

This topic is indeed complex and complicated. My blog does not indicate everything. I do not claim that I can stop the pandemic or cure it. I am aware that it is not as easy as how it may seem. However, proper education and knowledge are very much needed.