Still not prepared for COVID-19

THE EDITOR, Madam:

HOW MANY more will have to suffer? How many more will have to die to end the discrimination often meted out to persons suspected of or confirmed with COVID-19?

The novel coronavirus is highly contagious, seems so mysterious, and has been causing confusion, anxiety, fear and panic sometimes even among healthcare professionals.

There are no specific symptoms and signs of COVID-19, hence confirmation is only by laboratory testing. Coughing, fever, and shortness of breath, along with sneezing, wheezing, and weakness are common in asthmatics, and many often develop lifethreatening conditions.

Unfortunately, given the COVID19 pandemic, patients having asthma attacks with fever could be viewed only in light of the dreaded COVID-19, which could result in stigma, discrimination, and even death due to delay in rendering optimum medical care in an emergency.

A month ago, an elderly, highly respected doctor in Manchester had an unfortunate encounter when he sought medical care at a private hospital in the same town in which he practises because it was suspected that he had COVID-19.

We were in denial, and this unfortunate encounter was a crucial reminder. But we remained delusional that we were adequately prepared to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that this was a prominent physician, I pondered: What would happen to the “regular Joe” or “Jane” with cough or fever who decided to access emergency medical care at that hospital or similar ones which were not prepared to deal with patients suspected of having COVID-19?

TRAGIC CASE

Well, the heart-wrenching and tragic case of young Jodian Fearon, who developed complications in late pregnancy and who sought treatment initially at a private hospital and subsequently faced difficulties being transferred, is very instructive.

Based on media reports, including the preliminary autopsy findings, (even though she was not infected with the novel coronavirus), it appears that fears surrounding COVID-19 contributed to her demise.

COVID-19 is here. We fear it, but let’s face it and fight it. Healthcare workers are also humans and should be encouraged, guided, and protected from transmission of the novel coronavirus or things will fall apart! All public and private hospitals should set up isolation units and ensure that front-line staff are mentally prepared and equipped with the recommended personal protective equipment to minimise transmission, reduce fears, and the likelihood of inappropriate interaction or delay in treating persons suspected of having COVID-19 to minimise morbidity and mortality.

DAIVE R. FACEY General Practitioner DR.Facey@gmail.com