Frontline workers have put their lives on the line since the beginning of COVID-19 to keep everyone safe. Health care workers are leaving their families behind to spend endless hours standing in the COVID wing of the hospitals aiding more people than they can handle. Frontline workers are moving the economy of the country while others can stay quarantined or isolated at home. Below are four ways you can help support frontline workers.
Photo: BP Miller on Unsplash
Follow Public Health Expert Guidelines
Practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and hot water, sanitize frequently and refrain from touching your face. Your mask helps protect yourself and those around you. According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) wearing a mask reduces exposure among individuals and reduces transmission which reduces the burden on the healthcare system. Health care workers are working around the clock daily helping those who contracted the virus. However, even at your local grocery store, increasing the possibility of transmissions can endanger the frontline worker who is pushing to support their family during these difficult times by putting their lives on the line. Practicing social distancing is also important when you need to leave your homes. Using drive-thru’s when available and not attending social gatherings can help stop the spread.
Donate to goFundme and other organizations
There are many Gofundme’s set up to support frontline workers during these difficult times. From March 1 to Aug. 31, donors raised more than $625 million for pandemic relief through over 9 million donations from around the world. Many workers are struggling to make ends meet, especially when they contract the virus. There are Gofundme’s dedicated to COVID-19 cases. Others are for frontline workers out of work and in quarantine, as well as to feed the nurses. Gofundme is teaming up with people who need financial support during this worldwide crisis and are providing for those who are risking their lives daily.
Stay home
Unless you need to pick up groceries, exercise or there is a medical emergency, it is recommended that individuals stay home to stop the spread of the virus. Although it might be exhausting to stay within the four walls of your home, it is more exhausting to be working 48 plus hour shifts to provide for those with the virus. Staying home lowers the possibility of you getting the virus or spreading it to someone else. The CDC has shared that “several studies have found that people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to other people.” Save your life, the life of others and relieve the burden of the frontline workers by staying home.
Thank them for their service
Imagine having to work endless shifts without anyone acknowledging or pushing you through the hard work you are continuously doing. Risking your life without a single thank you. Make sure to thank your grocery store crew members, nurses, public transportation workers, doctors, meat plant workers and everyone else working hard to push through these difficult times. The future of the world is in our hands, and it’s important to thank those who are helping keep us all alive.
