What is your PPE?

Nowadays, we are so used to the words Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It sure gives our front liners protection but for some who are experiencing hardship with this tough time we have, what are your protective equipment for your body and mental health? You probably have heard the lack of supplies that the health care staff are experiencing in the hospitals. It sucks I know. Not only that, but it is also dangerous. The persistent shortage is an issue. It is critical on how the doctors and nurses are delivering the care to COVID-19 patients. It is devastating to hear physicians, nurses, health care aids getting sick and dying because of the lack of PPE. I am aware that the government is trying their best to accommodate every facility with their needs of PPE but the continuing insufficient supply is alarming and raising fear to everyone. The scarcity is not only affecting bedside but also emergent care of the patients. It also hinders the ability of testing people: symptomatic or asymptomatic. I even read that some places are reusing PPE. Hoping that this gets resolved sooner. I am also aware of the fact that at this time, most of us are all locked at home due to quarantine guidelines set by the government. Some terms I have heard were lockdown, shelter in place, self-isolation, stay at home and yes, quarantine. Lockdown and shelter in place are sort of used interchangeably and it means to stay inside a certain building. According to afar.com, "a lockdown, however, is used to describe one in response to something like an active shooter, while shelter-in-place is usually in response to natural or environmental threats, like a tornado or a chemical spill." Thank God for their glossary of terms. Some were advised to self-isolate and quarantine. The difference? One is asked to self-isolate when someone tested for COVID-19 but not suffering from any serious symptoms that require hospitalization while quarantine is when you have been exposed to someone who tested positive. It is recommended that someone is to avoid all contact with other people for 14 days. Pretty tough scenarios, eh?

My PPE: Surgical mask with visor

This leads up to my question if front liners require PPE which could be protective clothing, masks, or googles and other equipment designed to protect someone from injury or infection, as someone who is trying to cope at this moment, what are your PPE's? What are your shields? What are your armours? Outbreaks can be very stressful. The amount of fear and anxiety can be very overwhelming not only to the ones who are working as a frontline who is worried about their safety and their families' safety. Also for people who are at home who might have been laid off, or someone caring for an elderly parent, someone caring for a disabled loved one, a mother who is at home caring for a newborn and single parent who is working many hours, now suddenly experiencing loss of wages. I know that everyone reacts differently to the situation, but I think it is safe to say that most of us are under stress with the situations, no matter what they are. We are bombarded with the coronavirus news daily, I would say every 15-30 minutes. It does not matter what channel you flip your remote, there is plenty of information. First, we must get information from reliable sources. The need to take a break from watching, listening or reading news is crucial for your mental well being. Hearing them repeatedly can be exhausting. This includes social media, your Twitter and Facebook are probably loaded with information as well but change your setting if you need to. Second, if you are someone who is working and you are inundated with tons of guidelines and policies, do not let it infiltrate your home. Your home is sacred, it should be COVID-19 virus and information free. Lastly, it is important that we avoid the outside chatter and if we get involved, filter the information you want to keep and share.

"as someone who is trying to cope at this moment, what are your PPE's? What are your shields? What are your armours?"

Find time to relax and unwind. It is difficult to do that when most of the parks are closed. I must say that I am lucky to be living where I am. I think of my family in the Philippines who are on strict lockdown orders. Only one person in the household is allowed to go out for groceries, banking, and others. For that, they require a quarantine pass. Once outside, you encounter line up due to social distancing. Very draconian measures in place on the big island of Luzon. The country is facing a lot of issues but also beneficial in terms of ensuring that the health system does not buckle from the increase of COVID-19 cases. I have told my family to utilize the roof area to get some sunshine, do yoga and meditation at home. Use weights that they have at home or jumping rope. I advised them as well to eat well-balanced meals although really hard to achieve and I fear not everyone can do this. I have encouraged them as well to take free courses on coursera.org and read. We must keep our body and mind healthy in any way we can. Connectedness is important for everyone especially when you are surrounded by fear, anxiety, and horror. Gather your tribe and do a weekly check-in if necessary. Create a group chat with your family, include others who are far from you. I am so far away from my family. I am so thankful that my cousin in Toronto checks in on me weekly and I do the same. My girl friends have been pretty awesome. I also have my group chat with my siblings and niece. My aunts also say hi and ask for updates. For a family with kids, find activities that your kids will enjoy. One of my co-workers, tasked her older child to teach piano lessons to her little sister for $10/hour. Complete with a login and signatures to verify that the lesson occurred. Social distancing is also important, and everyone should exercise this even when going for a walk. Being at home with everyone can be challenging, please make sure that we give each other patience, a lot of grace, kindness, and forgiveness. We are all experiencing heightened levels of anxiety. For some they are uncertainty. Let us pay particular attention to the things we do to keep ourselves safe and healthy because there is hope even at these disruptive times.