INTERVIEW

WHAT CAN I DO TO COPE WITH THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 QUARANTINE?

Sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on the health, well-being and quality of life of individuals. Self-quarantine can also cause additional stress and challenge the mental health of citizens.

Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time. WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.

Source: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/healthemergencies/coronavirus-covid-19

FEATURE | INTERVIEW

14 days: Narratives of a Frontliner

Written by Mdpn. Niño B. Maldecir and

Mdpn. Bryan L. Holzknecht

Photos by Mdpn. Niño B. Maldecir

It was purple skies, birds singing tunes to give tingling to the ears. Freshly baked pandesal coupled with the best blended coffee welcomed her as she woke up. Her well ironed lab coats gave her warmth as she travels. She was fully set and ready. Breath in. breath out. A feeling that the day will go right according to plan.

She was blessed with a lovely face and a big bright smile but she did not wear it that day. Wear it that day. A challenging moment in the life of Jenie Rose Geganzo.

When did you have contact with a Covid-19 suspect?

It was still fresh to me. It was March 13 during that time when I accompanied the Covid-19 suspect to one of the hospitals in Iloilo. I was a little bit skeptical during that time since the virus is starting to spread and the whole Western Visayas has no case yet. However, I was just telling myself that it is my duty to save lives and of course I wore proper protective equipment that suits the situation hoping that everything will be just fine.

What did you feel the following days after you delivered the patient?

On dates March fourteen to sixteen, I felt okay and even went to duty at the hospital. It was on March 17 that I felt something odd. I experienced slight fever, cough, and cold in which case I immediately consulted my doctor and he gave the anti-biotics as a prescription. I was not overthinking and yet I kept putting the thought in my mind that this could be just a fever. But for everyone’s safety, I called to the Representative Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital where I work that I won’t be able to report due the illness I have. Without being reluctant, I started home quarantine.

When did you discover that the patient was the First Covid-19 positive in Western Visayas?

I received a call from the hospital last March 20. Nervous as I answer it, they informed me that the patient I accompanied was tested positive for the virus — the first positive case in the whole Western Visayas. Anxiety and fear started to engulf me as I took a deep breath hearing the news. I cannot speak a single word nor offer a response to the information thinking that my illness could be the symptoms. I came to think about the people whom I had contact with; my family, closest friends, hospital colleagues or even random people I have spoken to. I feared what would some people surrounding me would say and started to worry to every single person that I encountered.

How did the Local Government unit respond to the situation?

Being one of the closest contacts of the patient, March 23, an ambulance provided by the LGU arrived at my house to deliver me to Western Visayas Medical Center and have my swab test as soon as possible. My doctor advised that I should be admitted in addition due to the possible symptoms that I have. Everything was processed accordingly while I was just strengthening myself with prayers and preparing myself to any further circumstances.

What happened when you were admitted waiting for the results of your test?

I feel depressed. It’s the agony of measured time that prolongs each and every day that I was waiting for my results. I think as I assess myself, I was physically okay. I keep checking my temperature from time to time but what brings pain to me is the possibility that I can also be a COVID-19 positive. At night, I can’t even sleep, I keep on moving from one position to another that leads my thoughts to jump rapidly. My family is the first thing I can recall as I stare at the ceiling knowing that they could be more anxious with my situation. Far away, my husband who is working as a seafarer could also be in difficult times thinking about me. By that time, my phone was flooded with messages from my friends extending their support and prayers. They keep on telling me to be strong no matter what and advocated collection of funds, groceries, and some other means that can help me. I received foods and financial assistance with the RHU who continues to monitor my condition. My colleagues in RPGTMH also assisted the tasks that deals with my recovery and health transactions. I was happy when I recall those times, I never heard someone who discriminated me. I oftentimes cry alone, but those people who supported my back to make me stand gave me the strength to face the challenges that the almighty had given to me. Their willingness was my motivation.

What was the result of your test and what did you do afterwards?

March 26 – the results came out NEGATIVE. Tears flow down from my eyes realizing how lucky I am that despite the symptoms I felt were synonymous to the usual symptoms a Covid patient have, I was still free from the virus. Few minutes later, my doctor called me and cheered me up that I was negative and told me that my immune system fought very well. He was wishing me a speedy recovery. I don’t know what to do or how to react. I just kneeled down and pray so hard, so sincere that God graced my safety. He gave me a strong body to overcome any illness. I felt that all those stress, anxiety, and depression were washed out in an instant. I thanked everyone who supported me through prayers and effort. My husband and family will no longer have to worry about me and that I can go home sooner than I expected. When I was delivered at home to spend another fourteen days of home quarantine to ensure my full recovery, I was so happy. There was relief in my soul. And on April 16, I reported back to my duty at the hospital, ready to help people again as a front liner.

It was dark evening skies, no birds to be found but howls are heard everywhere. Her crumpled lab coats tried its best give her warmth as she travels. She was tired and exhausted. Breath in. breath out. A feeling of relief that the day ended. She was blessed with a lovely face and a big bright smile and she finally wore it.

Ms. Geganzo together with her co-workers. Photos courtesy to Jenie Rose Geganzo