COVID-19 has become a household phrase, one that children and elderly should not know of, nor should they have to fear, yet here it is and changing from day to day.
During these uncertain times, people are met with challenges like “will I have a job tomorrow?,” “will the stress get so bad that I have health problems that are not related?” and “how will I feed my family?”
The list goes on and on. I had been observing people before self-isolating and what I saw was concerning. Medical professionals not adhering to regulations, essential service front line workers not having adequate protection while performing their duties and so on. And still these workers smile trying to do their best to put their patients at ease. Others in the community being nonchalant and careless by not self-isolating after travel or not washing hands regularly.
There are stories of doom and gloom and stories of how their work environments have become horrible and stressful, with blame being placed due to things beyond their control.
My goodness, what do people expect? We are in a serious crisis.
Unfortunately some of those who are on the front lines are feeling the heat from people in command not knowing how to handle this unchartered ground. But anger and blame isn’t how to get through the crisis.
If an employee says the workers need something for their protection, do your best to get it for them, rather than make them feel unheard and unappreciated. Of course sales will be down if companies who produce the goods are closing. Common sense.
Cool off before you write that scathing email or say something hurtful and inappropriate. Everyone is under stress. The weight of the world is on everyone’s shoulders. Take a walk outside or call a friend and try to have laugh. We only have control of our actions, so if everyone tries to be responsible and sensible, things won’t be perfect but they may be easier. Smile at people from a distance - it may be just what you both need.
A friend’s niece said they were putting hearts on their windows as a sign of unity and suggested I do the same , so I did. And you know what? I felt better.
I opened the blinds and let the hearts glow in the sunshine. When I see them it makes me feel that everything will be OK. Our kids and grandkids are watching and learning how we respond to this crisis. Do you want the message to be anger and resentment or do you want it to be unity and caring for each other?
It is a horrible and scary time. No one is denying that but how we respond as a society can frame some of the outcome.
I read an interesting point and one that could be applied here. King Henry VIII stayed in his room and allowed no one near him until the plaque passed - the only tool he had was social isolation. Stay home and pass it on to those who do not seem to get it.
We can hope we will get through this if we are smart and use common sense. Do as you are advised. Wash your hands and use social distancing. Smile at your neighbors. They feel like their lives are in hell, too. You are not alone, so do not ever forget that. Unite as a country, standing strong and free.
Wendy Taylor
Prince George
