Volunteers in Covid-19 fight are heroes too

It takes a different kind of courage to answer the call to assist on the frontlines of war against a coronavirus. Men and women, civilians, ordinary folk are showing they care by heeding the call to volunteer. They have joined the ranks of heroes during these times of grief and distress. Fears of a mysterious foe, an uncertain future; death, despair, losses on the financial front, and relationships have been put aside to help the faithful battling it out in hospitals and on the streets.Medical professionals are treating the sick, others are cleaning and disinfecting our streets, alleys, while many more are maintaining law and order. Their bravery must be commended during these times when most of us are staying indoors and taking all precautions to avoid any contact with the outside world. Citizens and expats, young and old have found a common cause. This is their present and they must fight to protect and secure their future, hence it came as no surprise when 8,000 residents volunteered to help authorities in the UAE in their drive to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Many of these volunteers are out in the field visiting houses and asking people how they are faring in these dark times. They listen and lend a helping hand when required and escalate issues to the authorities. They gather crucial data from people and then relay information to expedite action. They make contact tracing happen. They seek, find, and serve. This method is one of the best ways to know how many people are infected. Volunteers are raising awareness among people and getting feedback. They check on people, they deliver food parcels, they answer calls, or simply lend a shoulder to cry on. Some treat the sick, too. More importantly, they are a reservoir of goodwill. They are ready and willing to report, assess, assist, and help the country in this massive effort to quell the disease.

This group of volunteers are risking their lives too, yet they are unruffled by the fear of contracting the disease. Their grassroot support is critical in helping the government contain the spread of the virus in the country. Of the 8,000 volunteers, 3,000 are medical professionals, representing 115 countries. These people may be working from the sidelines, but they are the first line of defence in the fight against the pandemic. They were picked for a reason and they are putting extra hours in the service of the country because this virus affects us all. People from all backgrounds and nationalities have joined the effort that is nothing short of mobilisation on a war footing. They know the task is onerous; they will spend sleepless nights, but they will not flinch for these are hard times. Everything else can wait. Volunteerism makes societies stronger, it shows the resilience of the social fabric and brings different people together during grim times when good news is in short supply. Many are distant from their families, but this service gives meaning to their lives. Charity work and volunteerism must be encouraged in societies. Often crisis brings out the best in people. It shows what they can achieve when they unite and work for a higher purpose. This effort shows that the UAE can depend on this band of volunteers. They will be the backup the country needs and will deliver when it matters. They are men and women of steely solidarity and character. This crisis may have thrown our lives out of gear but their presence is reassuring to people who need a helping hand. They are one of us. And through their volunteerism they are saying: the country can count on us.