COVID-19 and frontliners

COVID-19 and frontliners

The ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak has taken the world by storm. The direct impact it has had in the general health of public is there; with its high infectivity and increasing mortality in a short span of few months. However, the secondary challenges we are left to deal with are even bigger. The national economy is falling, all the industrial activities have come to an indefinite halt. The working class have their own plight, struggling to get by with no medium of earning. The crisis has affected our lives in every possible way from our routine activities to the way we function. On the bright side, it has also sparked the hidden creativity in many. You can observe more people enjoying singing, dancing, writing, cooking and different forms of art they had very little time for before. And, it is almost uncertain when the situation will return to normalcy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused panic and chaos across the globe. Though the statistics suggests that the death rate due to the COVID-19 is still relatively low compared to the mortality resulting from other conditions like heart diseases and cancer, the way it is presented in social media and other platforms has imposed a great deal of fear among the public. Most parts of the world are gradually resuming and loosening the restrictions with all required precautions while our country is still under lockdown. And, amidst this pandemic while all of us are sitting back at home, the frontline workers like health personnel, police and military force, cleaners have played a crucial role to ensure a safe living environment for us.

Health workers in particular have been working incessantly, even extra shifts and more, to catch up with the added demand in this crisis phase.  The shortage and inaccessibility of basic supplies in some areas further intensifies the problem. They are having to work under enormous pressure during this pandemic with ongoing continuous shifts.  They are isolating from their significant others as there is a risk of spreading the disease while working in close proximity with the infected cases. They have been pushing their limits and trying every possible way to contain the disease spread and to cure those infected.  With exposure to every patient, they are risking their own lives selflessly to save others.

Now, while the rest of the world seems to cheer up the frontline health workers for their contribution, which is the normal thing to do, the situation seems to be a bit different in Nepal. Being stigmatized is the newly emerging problem the frontliners are facing in this phase. Lots of frontliners have lately been experiencing discriminatory actions towards them specially in their locality. They are facing social stigma, disgrace and disapproval from the people of their own society. There have also been increasing reports where health workers are urged to move out from their rented homes.  People are seen associating health workers with the corona virus itself. Aren’t they working for us? While they are fighting this pandemic with all the remaining strength, the least we can do is uplift their spirit with emotional support and appreciation of the work. But NO.  It is absolutely disappointing to see how people have been responding the other way around, and the frontliners are facing stigmatization for doing their job: saving lives.

Its important people understand that if staying in quarantine was called for, they would not have left the work area in the first place. It is always ensured that potential carrriers stay quarantined and health workers are allowed to return their residence only after its considered safe to.

Reportedly, there have also been acts of physical violence against the frontline health care providers which is totally unacceptable. And, the ease with which this is happening and how lightly this is being taken is another dreading issue. . This not only affects their physical and mental well-being but also the passion and work dedication might not remain the same if the situation persists. These acts of physical assault and the growing negativity towards any profession as benevolent as health service clearly reflects where our society is heading. Its time that we rethink our values and morals and try to shape ourselves to be a better human being.