KUCHING: As Malaysians are reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, many frontline healthcare workers have to deal with lost family time as well as disturbances to their personal routines and schedules.
The Covid-19 has changed the landscape of the health-care system, making the frontline health workers superheroes, since they are making sacrifices and demonstrating incredible passion and dedication to contain the pandemic.
The risk of being infected with Covid-19 is one of the most terrifying nightmares for the families of frontline health workers because they are more exposed to the virus than anybody else.
Muhd Ameerudin Ibrahim, 21, the youngest brother of two sisters who are working as frontline health workers expressed his concern and anxiety over his loved ones who are exposed to the Covid-19 infection on a daily basis.
“I recall when Covid-19 first hit us; it was quite difficult for me and my family, because both of my sisters are serving at the Covid-19 centre.
“At the time, there was no vaccine yet and my family’s biggest concern was that my sisters would become infected, as the number of cases at the time was skyrocketing.
“Both my sisters were quarantined before serving at the Covid-19 centre, and Alhamdulillah, they were both found negative for every swab till the day they eventually got their vaccination.”
Nur Maisarah Ismail, a 24-year-old student, has to live separately from her sister who serves as a nurse at the Covid-19 centre.
“I used to live with my sister, but because she works at the Covid-19 centre, we had to relocate to my grandmother’s house because we knew my sister was at high risk of infection.
“I rarely saw my sister during the pandemic because I live with my grandmother, and it is quite unsafe because they are elderly and might easily contract the virus.
“I miss spending time with her, especially around payday, but for now, we just have to cope with it, and we’re grateful that she has received her vaccine.”
Meanwhile, Siti Baizura Kamil, a 50-year-old teacher who has a daughter who works as a nurse, shared her anxiety for her only child who is battling the virus.
“I am extremely grateful that my daughter received the vaccine and is living with me.
“As a nurse, they cannot be exposed to too many individuals outside of the workplace because they are already exposed at work.
“From what I’ve seen, whenever she gets home from work, she promptly showers and washes her clothes in hot water to eradicate all the bacteria from work.”
Despite the difficulties she and her family have faced, Baizura said the outpouring of community support assured her that brighter days are ahead.
“My friends and family are all really supportive, and that is how I mentally cope with my anxiety, especially because of my main concern for my daughter.
“This virus is one of my worst fears, and I hope everyone follows the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and stays at home as much as possible.”
