Mask

The sun slowly inches over the rows of houses. The sky is painted with a myriad of colours; pink, purple, blue, orange - colours that should clash, yet blend in harmony. A person steps out of their front door, old and frail, they stand there in the cool breeze and watch as the dormant neighbourhood comes to life. Slowly front doors creak open and close, like notes in a song. A young child giggles jovially, finally free from the boundaries of their home. They all stand in a circle, few feet away from each other and claps resonate through the streets. Fireworks are set off with a bang and create ethereal patterns in the sky. People engage in light conversation with each other.

The applause is for the NHS (UK’s health service) and key workers. It brings about a sense of unity to our nation and shows the public have appreciation for the health service.

However, the displays of goodwill can sometimes inadvertently be overdone. For example last Thursday (23rd April) many people gathered on Westminster Bridge in celebration. People crammed onto the congested bridge, not standing away from each other. Seeing people stand in close quarters was infuriating to most. I understand the display of support is well intended, but here’s the irony: the people were there to thank the NHS, but instead could have made their jobs harder. The virus spreads easily, especially in a crowded, compact space. If this was allowed to continue, it could put a strain on the NHS and have a dire effect on key workers.

NHS staff are already under enormous pressure. They do not have adequate PPE to protect themselves. PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment - it includes things such as masks, visors and medical gowns. PPE shipments have been delayed and some hospitals have resorted to washing medical gowns in order to get the necessary protection. Some healthcare workers do not have access to the most effective masks and have to use surgical masks. Ordinary surgical masks do not protect against small virus particles as they have large gaps on the side of the face. Doctors and other healthcare professionals need FFP3 respirator masks as it provides the best protection. It allows them to care for patients without the worry of catching the virus. It is unfortunate that our country cannot provide these frontline workers with sufficient essential equipment. In my view, they are risking their lives, unnecessarily.

This issue affects me personally. Both my parents are doctors and the future at the moment seems bleak and I am terrified for them. They do not have to work on the frontline just yet, but uncertainty haunts us. I tend to consider myself an optimist, and have been trying to push these thoughts from my mind. However unease seems to gnaw in the corner of my brain. If they have proper equipment, I would be greatly reassured. I see the number of cases in the country increase, the number of deaths of health care workers climbs up agonisingly. My heart drops, these aren’t just numbers: they are people. It is truly frightening.

How are these issues tackled where you are?

During times like these, it is vital you follow guidance. Stay 2m away from everyone, wash your hands regularly and support health care workers by sticking to these rules. Only then will we be able to get through this pandemic.

I recently completed my art coursework. For a section of my work, I focused on the theme of ‘broken’ and explored how people hide behind facades. Now, the phrase ‘putting on a mask’ has become quite literal!

(My artwork)