NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE?

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We always hear these two crucial words after a Covid test: “ is it negative or positive”?.  Nowadays we note record high Covid infections;  more than 30,000 a day;  numbers we have not reached since the start of the pandemic. We are worried for ourselves and our love ones. 

In the last two weeks, the numbers rose almost double everyday; we could only suspect that this is infused by the omicron virus. 

Testing centers are deluged; hence there is a longer waiting time for the RT-PCR test results.  What used to be 24 hours, now takes two days or more.  Hence many take it upon themselves to do the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) at home. 

When you do the ART, watch out for pink lines;  one line will indicate negative against Covid.  When we get this we can  breath a sigh of relief; if two lines means positive; a signal  to teleconsult with our doctor. 

Almost everyday this week, we learn that a famous personality, a celebrity, a next of kin, a friend, a colleague or an acquaintance caught the virus and is already in quarantine.  

Long queues are seen in drugstores unlike at the onset of the pandemic when people rushed to  supermarkets to get food and the most coveted bathroom tissues.  This time people rush to buy the most needed paracetamol along with  medicine for colds, cough , fever and antiviral formulations. 

This week some schools and universities are on a “health holiday”; as they observed numerous students as well as teachers who can’t attend on line classes. 

Health workers are overwhelmed; many are tired, they have been on their toes for almost two years now. Here they are again taking care of patients as we ride the third wave. 

Experts say that the only remedy is to get vaccinated; stay at home; go out only for necessities.   Wear mask properly, wash hands regularly and always distance yourself from people.   If any of the symptoms manifest, deal with it like it’s Covid.  Isolate immediately and get tested.  

I just got my booster shot yesterday ; the facility unusually overflowed with people wanting to get vaccinated.   I hope that those who earlier resisted the vaccine will change their minds.   

But there could be a silver-lining;  some  experts say.  When many people get the omicron virus this could possibly render them immune and as a result, we will achieve herd immunity.  I want to believe that they are right; hopefully it could be the tail-end of this pandemic. 

Lord,  please bless the Philippines and heal the world.