KAROO NEWS - While most community members combat Covid-19 by staying at home during the national lockdown, local first-line medical practitioners have no choice but to be on the frontline in the fight against the virus that has killed over 37 000 people globally.
"Stay the hell at home," one medical practitioner urges the public. She forms part of an important group of people, who work between 40 to 50 hours weekly, to tend to the patients of Graaff-Reinet and surrounds.
Five of these crucial roleplayers spoke to the Advertiser about their experiences anonymously, as they are not permitted to speak to media.
Life on the frontline
"In my job, there is always a risk of contracting some infection from my patients," says medical practitioner Drew*. "So, the possibility of contracting coronavirus doesn't scare me, it just makes me more cautious in doing my job." Drew adds that they have a passion for helping people, and this pandemic will not change that. "People will always need us and we will be there."
Although the thought of working during a pandemic was exciting at first, nurse Alex* says the reality is sinking in that they might get the virus. "It puts you under emotional stress."
According to them, healthcare doesn't stop because of Covid-19. "The generally healthy patients still need good, continued service." As a precautionary measure, Alex takes a change of clothes to work, puts their uniform in a plastic bag and washes it immediately when at home.
"I also leave my shoes outside, as Covid-19 can survive on surfaces."
Jordan*, who does not want his profession revealed, says he is motivated to go to work. "I am heeding the call of the president and fulfilling my oath to serve ethically, in the spirit of ubuntu." Jordan wears protective equipment, such as an N95 mask, and practices social distancing among colleagues.
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Taylor*, a nurse, says the number of people that can be infected if not diagnosed properly is what gets them out of bed in the mornings.
"I'd rather work my shift and know that I might be enabling an elderly woman to see her first grandchild. People still have chronic conditions and everyday viruses that need taken care of."
Parker*, whose job title is also protected, says they are not motivated to go to work during the Covid-19 crises. "Until I am treating Covid-19 patients, me being at work is redundant as all my appointments have been cancelled."
Message to the public
All the medical practitioners urge residents to stay at home. "If you really need to go for groceries, send one person per household. Now is not the time to take your newborn or your granny to the shops," advises Taylor.
"It is a risk for too many people to be at hospitals or clinics, but make use of our services in an emergency or if you're ill," adds Alex.
Parker urges people to educate themselves on the coronavirus, while Taylor warns gloves won't make you immune. "Wearing the same gloves the entire day is like wearing a little coronavirus bus on each hand, rather wash and sanitise your hands regularly, or change your gloves as often as possible."
"And don't panic because of sensational news," adds Parker. "Don't believe all the stories going around," agrees Alex.
* Names have been changed to protect the identities of those interviewed.
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