Ni Analou De Vera

MULING binigyang-diin ng World Health Organization (WHO) ang kahalagahan ng mahigpit na pagsunod ng publiko sa basikong health protocols upang malimitahan ang panganib ng pagkahawa mula sa virus na nagdudulot ng coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Bagamat ikinokonsidera ang mga healthcare workers bilang pangunahing bayani sa gitna ng nararanasang pandemya, pinaalalahanan ng WHO ang mga ordinaryong tao na bawat isa ay maaaring maging bayani.

“We have powerful tools right now that make us the heroes and make us become the superheroes fighting against this virus. We have physical distancing, we have masks, we have hand gel, we have soap, we have water,” pahayag ni Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO technical lead on COVID-19.

“We have the ability to open windows and doors and in many situations to improve natural ventilation in the rooms that we’re in if we are indoors,” dagdag pa niya.

Hinikayat din ni Kerkhove ang mga tao na punan ang kanilang sarili ng taman impormasyon hinggil sa COVID-19.

“There are good sources of information that exist all over the world whether it is through WHO or your local authorities. Find that good information, push out that bad information, and that negative information. That’s really important for our mental health,” aniya.

Bagbabahagi pa ng WHO official, “We have information about not only where the virus is but what are risky behaviors and what are the things we can do to minimise those risky behaviors and many of us–we have the power to make decisions.”

Samantala, mahalaga naman para sa pamahalaan o sa mga awtoridad pangkalusihan na makumbinsi ang mga tao na pagkatiwalaan sila, paalala ni Dr. Mike Ryan, pinuno ng WHO Emergencies Program.

“How many people in this response have complained that they don’t trust the government or they don’t trust the scientists or they don’t trust each other. We’ve failed to convince people that it’s absolutely necessary to wash your hands or wear a mask or avoid crowds or open windows. If we could get more people to do that, that’s as good as vaccine,” paliwanag ni Ryan.

“Everything about this pandemic is about trust. If you tell me something, I have got to trust that you are giving me the best information and that you have my best interests at heart,” saad pa niya.