One of the saddest part of contracting COVID-19 is the isolation. Alone, no visitors, not many care providers are comfortable to be near, at least no longer than the time required for medical/nursing care.
Isolated in a hospital room away from other patients. Minimal contact with other health professionals, mainy virtual if available. Most people are anxious and terrified of contracting the illness for the sick individual.
Health professionals are worried about getting closer than required, no touching more than necessary for care or a procedure. Under, normal circumstances, as with most other illnesses, the reverse would be the case.
Care providers enter your room often wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including a special gowns, masks, face shields, gloves to protect themselves from the contagion of the ill person and the danger at hand. Alone!
And, COVID-19 patients often die alone without family and loved ones. This is the time when someone needs family and friends the most!
Buried without a real funeral service. Cremation, non traditional burial with minimal number of people. Families cannot get close for fear of getting infected and spreading the disease to others. Some are cremated whilst others are buried massly with others.
The stigma! Totally disposed! The indignity! Public death, no privacy! Totally denied of everything that makes us human. This illness literally robs individuals of their humanity. Absolutely catastrophic and heartbreaking!
May you all be safe from this deadly disease.
Akosua G
Ontario, Canada
March 26, 2020