Regina’s Reflections

By Regina McNamara

Prevent.... Protect.... Praise

Dear Readers,

Please note our selection of “P words “do not include the word PANIC.

However, it is Panic that has now taken root during a time when we all crave stability, calm and determination. Our fellow Americans and especially those of us in the health care field all need cool heads, coupled with a true desire to help our fellow human beings, many of who are at a significant risk for contracting a very serious disease.

We are frustrated by the hoarding of essential materials we need to help our clients, as hand sanitizer, alcohol, gloves, masks, and other protective supplies. There is unchecked price gouging with far few limitations. (Side note: Our thanks to Amazon for eliminating all vendors who purchased enormous quantities of needed supplies, with the intention of reselling at inflated prices. One such buyer managed to purchase over 17,00 items including masks, gloves, sanitizers and other protective items. These behaviors render our important jobs far more difficult. We have set up a processing station in our home, (where we remain, working remotely) bottling hand soap and producing homemade sanitizers and surface wipes since they have disappeared from store shelves. PLEASE STOP HOARDING.

A substantial amount of blame needs to be placed at the feet of unscrupulous, deceptive and frightening media personalities masquerading as “newscasters”. The 24-hour news cycle has given them liberty to disseminate alarming, distressing and incorrect information to an already fearful viewing audience.

Our clients are the population most at risk. They need our protection and good, safe, hygienic care. Deprived of the ability to leave their homes, participate in activities which they enjoyed, unable to have families visit, they have few options. They are frightened. One delightful client of 93 years of age told us this time in history was “the scariest since the nuclear bomb drills”. The solution: No more TV “news.” Caregivers receive reliable updates on their phones. Instead, they watch game shows, old movies, chat with their caregivers, enjoy nutritious meals. Maintain healthy immune systems.

Social distancing rules now prevent their caregivers from hugging them, sad for all. But necessary.
Late night “comedy” shows now feature skits about the virus. My son, living in Canada is in quarantine since Friday awaiting tests results, far from his young family. We are not laughing.

But there is hope. We are a strong country with very bright dedicated scientists, and committed competent health care providers. Working closely with them we can offer safe care at home to free up hospital and nursing home beds.

BUT WE NEED TESTING. There can be no valid estimates of the of infections without testing. At the national level, more than 2,000 labs across the country will start processing tests for COVID-19 this week, Vice President Mike Pence said during a press briefing late Sunday.

The Trump administration had come under heavy criticism because of the limited availability of tests and insufficient testing capabilities. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late last week gave emergency approval to begin producing new tests. The move, the result of an innovative partnership between the federal government and commercial labs, means upwards of 1.9 million tests will start flowing through our healthcare system this week. Result will be quickly available. Drive through testing sites are forming. This is a critical element of containing this disease. The labs will prioritize healthcare workers, first responders and at-risk seniors as they show signs of COVID-19, according to HHS assistant secretary Dr. Brett Giroir. All good news, when we needed it the most.

The best news of all, our amazing caregivers have risen up to the considerable challenges with ingenuity, grace and a true affection for their clients We visit weekly, dropping supplies at their doors, and bringing surprise treats. They are our heroes. They deserve our heartfelt praise.

THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH !! ■