Filipinos honor heroes of the past today as the nation battles an unseen enemy that as of yesterday had killed 33,109 people across the archipelago. The battle has its own heroes – people on the frontlines who work long hours and risk their lives, and those of their loved ones, to save people suffering from COVID-19.
Several of the pandemic heroes have themselves succumbed to the coronavirus: doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, as well as the people who clean health facilities and transport the dead. Others survived infection but lost some of their loved ones to the pestilence. Like the heroes of the country’s past, however, the heroes of the pandemic brave the risks and continue to serve the greater good. It’s unfortunate that several of the heroes are planning to stage mass protests on Sept. 1 over their pay, allowances and other emoluments.
Security forces are also on the frontlines of the battle, with the complicated task of enforcing quarantine and safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. While there have been abuses reported, the security frontliners also risk infection. The Philippine National Police has lost over 100 members to COVID-19, and tens of thousands have been infected.
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As health experts have stressed, this battle starts at home, with every individual. There is heroism in adhering to basic health safety protocols, which are simple enough: wear a face mask in the company of others, plus a face shield in public places. Wash hands or disinfect regularly, and avoid touching the face. Keeping a distance of at least a meter from others can be unnatural, but it can help prevent infection. Practice cough and sneezing hygiene.
Most importantly, get vaccinated, as soon as the opportunity is there. Despite breakthrough infections attributed to more contagious COVID variants, around the world there is evidence that vaccines work to prevent severe infection and death. In this once-in-a-century war, every action to protect oneself and others from infection is a heroic deed.