I would like to start by saying that I am not a scientist, doctor, nor have I ever successfully kept a journal for longer than the first page when I promise to write 'every day'.
But now, in March of 2020, I have been inspired by people on social media who urge others to write about the rapidly changing situation; feelings, news, how governments react to a quickly spreading pandemic and how people react to it.
I write from my parents home in Southern Finland; as of writing this blog post, there are 241 confirmed cases of the CO-VID-19 (Yle Uutiset, 16th March 9:20), or colloquially 'the corona virus', in Finland. I have a tab open to an article by Yle Uutiset which keeps me updated on what is happening both in my country and all over the world.
( Link to article: https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-11212596 (Updated as more reports come in, also has information about recommended action for workers and a link to their app which will send notification to your phone when there is an update)
(The article is in Finnish but also available in Swedish and English, Sápmi; at the top of the page on the right, choose [Lisää] and find 'Svenska Yle', 'News in English' and 'Yle Sápmi')
There is fear both for ourselves and people elsewhere; elderly people (60+) and immuno-compromised people, those with respiratory problems and a history of heart and lung problems are at most risk (those who take medication for heart problems or have asthma for example)
The following is a list of things people are asked to do:
- Wash your hands (instructions of how to thoroughly clean your hands have been sent to every household). If you must go out, bring hand sanitizer and avoid touching areas that may have been coughed on.
- Those with mild symptoms should stay home; going to hospitals or the like could put weaker patients at risk. Common symptoms are fever, difficulties breathing and a dry cough.
- Social Distancing or "Flatten the curve": Slow down the spread by staying away from public spaces. bars have been steadily closing all over the world, the amount of people has decreased rapidly (countries are at different stages; most governments forbid gatherings of over 500 people, in other areas the number is as low as 50).
(Link to Washington Post article with more explanation and graphics
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/?itid=ap_harrystevens )
By "flattening the curve" the governments hope to slow down the spread and avoid overwhelming hospitals and health care providers. (add graphic later)
(some still go out, despite the warnings; young people go to bars that have yet to close (these people are a-holes), older people go outside to stores; there have been efforts to gather volunteers who would help elderly by doing their shopping)
- Work from home ((if possible)) While not all schools have officially closed, some have switched to online teaching. My university has made the decision to have a free week to allow teachers to re-do their curriculum so that it is suitable for online teaching.
Office workers are encouraged to stay home
- Do not hoard essentials; soap, hand-sanitizer and toilet paper are only some of the things that people have been hoarding and even fighting over due to panic over CO-VID-19. Food has also been hoarded as people are unsure of how much they will need during quarantine.
This is not good, if you hoard soap and hand sanitizing products you are an a-hole; Soap and hand sanitizer must be available for everyone, by buying all the products you are actively putting others at risk. Some (absolutely wonderful) stores have designated an hour of the day for those in risk groups so they can shop freely and get what they need (from what I have seen, this hour is the first business hour of the day, meaning they will be better stocked)
I would like to take an opportunity to address that I am in a very privileged position;
- I have the benefit of hindsight, have only followed the situation since February and have been able to see what different responses and response times have lead to.
- Finland has only slowly been affected by CO-VID-19 and we have been able to make decisions
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies for those who have been and will be affected by CO-VID-19. <3
Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and care-takers who are working tirelessly to care for the affected; you are all heroes
Work together, care for each other and your community
