Living with the unseen enemy

7.7 billion people worldwide are going through drastic changes in their respective lives right NOW. (Supplied)

It was only in January 23, 2020 when the world heard about Wuhan, China going into lockdown due to the deadly spread of the Covid-19. We never imagined that fast forward to April —Italy, Spain, France, and UK would also resort to such Draconian measures. To date, the US has even surpassed China with the most reported Coronavirus cases at 202,336 and a total death rate of 4,454.  The White House is even projecting 100,000 — 240,000 US deaths. The “City that Never Sleeps” was brought to a standstill due to Covid-19 — with more than 1,000 fatalities. New York has 41,771 positive cases; that’s more than nine times as many as Canada, which has 8,548 cases as of March 31, 2020. Indeed, the Coronavirus — has spread to more than 202 countries — which has rattled economies and started sweeping changes across the world.

7.7 billion people worldwide are going through drastic changes in their respective lives right NOW. The daily rise in the number of cases is alarming. With such numbers, you don’t have to be a statistician to know that the window to flatten the curve of the pandemic is narrow. It’s probably as narrow as Kim Kardashian’s waist. Pardon the comparison — just like the rest of you — I’m trying to keep my humour intact amidst this unchartered territory we all currently find ourselves in.

Here in Canada, our leaders from the local, provincial and federal levels and opposing political parties have called on us to self-isolate and observe physical distance to help plank the curve. Canada’s plan was adapted from its’ influenza preparedness plan which was updated two years ago. Our leaders continue to coordinate with each other daily regarding quarantine measures and closures from one province to the next.

Our Canadian government has been working round the clock to make sure that Canadians will have food, roofs over our heads and emergency money to live on for the next four months. Canadian government together with the opposition parties convey this message loud and clear: There’s no place for divisiveness in the time of Covid-19. When we all unite — we will eventually tie down and beat this unseen beast.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is working every day and continues to update Canadians daily while on self-isolation. His wife has recently recovered from the virus.  On this side of the pond, we are immensely lucky to have a government that has the economic capabilities to give a massive $82-billion aid package to help Canadians cope with the Covid-19. Extraordinary measures include income supports to all Canadians, wage subsidies and tax deferrals.

We are based in Vancouver, British Columbia hence I will write mostly about what’s happening here. March 31st has been the deadliest day, yet, for Covid-19 in BC as the province tops 1,013 positive cases with a total death rate of 24. The onset of illness occurred between January 15 and March 31, 2020.

Many Canadians look forward to the daily updates that we receive from our provincial leaders and health advisors.  British Columbians look forward to hearing Dr. Bonnie Henry’s calming voice as she and Health Minister Adrian Dix announce the latest fatalities every day and give us directions to keep us safe from the virus. We are truly grateful for the strong leadership that Premier John Horgan has displayed during these unprecedented times — implementing strict measures to ensure that we all comply with the government’s advice. Truly, the local, provincial and federal governments have risen to the occasion — doing what is necessary to overcome such extraordinary times. Pay attention, Canadians. Coronavirus has reminded us that circumstances don’t make a person — they reveal the person. It’s during the worst times of our lives that we get to see the true colours of the people who say they care for us. Remember this on the next election.

How does one live and cope with our current pandemic situation?

FINANCE & HOUSING MATTERS 

As business operators in the health and fitness industry – we had to close our facility temporarily to support the local, provincial, and federal governments battle to plank the curve. Other non-essential businesses such as retail stores, spas, and salons have also temporarily closed per government’s guidelines. Dining out is also no longer an option as many restaurants have shut their doors indefinitely. Some have resorted to take-out or delivery service. As a former restaurateur, I can relate and empathize with restaurant owners who are worried about the lack of revenue, having to pay the rent, overhead expenses, and payroll. Most are worried and concerned for the employees they will have to lay off if this temporary closure turns into a permanent one. Coronavirus could see 15% of B.C. restaurants close for good, says top restaurateurs of the industry.

Overall, top economists say that no business will come out of this pandemic unscathed. We do hope that the Government will further help businesses with rent reprieve so that it will be easier for small to mid-size businesses to stay afloat. Now, is the time to take a hard look at tax payments — either to delay it or forgo payments. Unfortunately, we don’t need more loans — we don’t need more debts. During this pandemic, banks should not profit from struggling businesses. We need real help to keep our businesses operating. Businesses should have access to a lifeline too. If there is a window for helping not spread the virus; there should also be a window for helping all businesses — small and medium businesses — during these frightful times. It is painful to lose something you’ve worked hard to build over so many years.

Vancouver is an expensive city to live in — believe it or not — more expensive than Manhattan. One wonders if the Federal government’s 2K a month per person, together with the supplementary 500$ a month that the B.C. provincial government — will be handing over the next four months — would be sufficient enough to pay for housing, utility bills, and day-to-day expenses of the ordinary Canuck. Bear in mind too, Canadian cellphone charges are among the most expensive in the planet. Homeowners are lucky to get a 6-month break from paying their mortgages. But how about the renter population? Shouldn’t renters get a 6-month break too from paying rent?

Which brings me to reflect on how the more vulnerable and at-risk are coping during this precarious situation. How can the homeless self-isolate when they don’t have a roof over their heads? The homeless often lack easy access to basic and stable necessities that we — the housed population — all take for granted: access to soap and water, sanitizers, decent clothing, vitamins and food to help them exercise basic precautions.

I’m going to share an experience that my partner and I went through two weeks ago before we went into quarantine: a homeless man in his late 30’s or early 40’s sat on the stairs by the entrance of our fitness club. He felt weak and had diarrhea. My partner approached him (while practicing physical distancing; they were at least 6 feet apart) and gave the homeless man access to clean up in our club’s changing/shower room. My partner gave him towel, soap, hot shower and new clothing (which didn’t fit the man but didn’t look so bad really). While the man was cleaning up, my partner personally cleaned up the man’s poop (on our stairs) using protective gloves and poured bleach all over the entrance stairs. My partner gave him instructions on how to go to a walk-in clinic and gave him money to buy medication and food.

This personal experience really hit us close to “home” — it made us truly realized that our homeless neighbours do struggle with chronic-health conditions that are often the result of a difficult life out on the streets. The homeless man’s facial (thankful) expression made me realized that random acts of kindness do go a long way with or without a pandemic situation. On a positive note, here in Vancouver — I’m happy to read that in addition to homeless shelters already in place — our local government has designated several community centres for the homeless to help them with self-isolation.

MENTAL WELLNESS MATTERS 

I am medically diagnosed with OCD, Anxiety, Depression, and Paranoia disorder. The Coronavirus pandemic has heightened my anxieties and paranoia to the highest level — which drives my partner crazy. He needs to take two aspirins daily — to cope with me! Most days, it feels like I am going down the rabbit hole — dark and bleak. I FaceTime with my son every other hour because I worry about him — he is asthmatic and therefore susceptible to this virus. This type of behaviour frustrates my son. He said: “Mom, Coronavirus won’t kill me; your pestering me every other hour will!” Ok, d-uh. Noted. Whenever someone coughs — out of fear — my head feels like it can roll like the possessed character in The Exorcist! My OCD condition has turned me into an 80’s music aficionado. I sing “Like A Virgin” whilst washing my hands with soap and hot water! Take note: I sing the whole song and not just the chorus; I’ve even added some dance steps to it!

Now, how does one cope with such mental health conditions? I’m extremely grateful because I have access to medication, and I seek therapy with a psychiatrist once a month. Due to the current situation, we’ve arranged for future sessions via FaceTime instead of visiting his clinic. But how about the others who go through the same mental health conditions that I have, and yet don’t have the same access that I do with medication and therapy? I can only imagine — their pain, their anxieties, their depression, and their paranoia. Everything surrounding Covid-19 can be overwhelming and stressful. These are certainly not normal times; it’s not a drill, it’s for real. We have never been through anything like this before. I’m not a doctor or a therapist, but I do suggest talking to your loved ones if you need to unload or vent. Practice meditation or do yoga at home — you can go online to follow some basic steps. I am aware that not everyone has access to internet, Netflix or Apple TV. In which case, I would advise to read books. Spring has sprung — do some gardening. Take a selfie at home. Why not? It’s not being tone-deaf; it’s called The Art of Loving Oneself! Listen to the radio and dance to the music! Another economical way to ease your anxieties would be to clean your home and de-clutter — it’s extremely therapeutic and free!

COMMUNITY & WORLDWIDE MATTERS  

Our appreciation and deep gratitude go out to all the doctors, nurses, grocers, soldiers, military forces, government employees/public servants, police forces, transport drivers, garbage collectors, janitors, other front liners — for their hard work and dedication to the society. It’s not easy to go to work while the rest of the society are asked to stay at home. You are the true heroes combatting this unseen enemy. Over 3,000 Canadian companies have since reached out to the federal government to offer their help in supplying medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for our front-liners. For our part, we can show you gratitude by staying at home for all of you. We will continue to come out to our balconies every night at 7pm to give you applause — our way to say “thank you” — from our hearts.

On a more worldwide matter, I can’t help but wonder how will poor countries like Central African Republic, Burundi, Congo et al cope with this global pandemic? How will they care for their citizens? Will they have enough hospital beds? Will they have enough doctors and nurses to tend to the sick? Will they have enough food, water and medicine?

Again, necessities that most of us take for granted daily. We are rich if we have enough to meet our most basic needs. We are rich if we have access to clean water, food, shelter, love, a roof over our heads. We must count our blessings to see that we are richer than we think. Unfortunately, there are those out there without basic needs, and they need all the help they could get. I can’t imagine walking in their feet — yes, feet — because most don’t even have shoes to wear.

We’re not taking the Coronavirus lightly — not at all — it is a serious and life-threatening situation. If you can stay at home, please stay at home. Nowadays, it’s not enough to just flatten the curve — we must plank it! Covid-19 does not discriminate; it’s not only the baby boomers that gets affected — generation X and yes, millennials get affected too! Suffice to say, we’re all screwed — we might as well be considerate of one another.

I’m not trying to sow fear; it’s not difficult to be scared of an invisible and spreading threat. As cases of Covid-19 proliferate, there’s a pandemic of fear unfolding alongside the pandemic of the coronavirus. Fear contagion spreads faster than the dangerous yet invisible virus due to the global reach and instantaneous nature of modern media. However, there are ways to mitigate it: we must surround ourselves with calm and kind people. Calmness help us overcome fear. Panic only causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of present danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options.

I’m no expert, but based on what I read and see about this unseen enemy — KINDNESS and CALMNESS are what we need right now. Kindness and calmness toward one another equip us with the ability to live and cope with the unseen enemy. The tests we face in life’s journey are not to reveal our weaknesses but to help us discover our inner strengths. We can only know how strong we are when we strive and thrive beyond the challenges we face. Together — we will overcome this unseen enemy.