Sunday, March 29, 2020

Claretian's response to the COVID 2019




Claretian's response to the Covid 2019



1.      ABOUT THE CORONA VIRUS

1.1 Prologue

At present, we hear hundreds of theories, messages and proposed remedies related toCOVID-19 which are being circulated in social media. What is the current issue? What is the impact and consequence? What is the remedy and preventive measure?

What is COVID-19? COVID 19 is an acronym for Corona Virus Disease 2019. What does corona virus do in our body? Corona virus weakens our body's immune system. When will the corona virus come to us? If corona virus infects our body, its symptoms will be visible in 2 to 14 days. What are the main signs of corona virus attack?

Dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, throat irritation The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing.

The corona virus first hit the city of Wukan, China.COVID-19 has physically showed the interconnectedness of the global village where a contagious virus can travel in a couple of months to 196 countries claiming 16,362 lives and infected 375,498 persons (WHO report today at 10 am, 25/3/2020).


2.      IMPACTS AND CONSEQUENCES

2.1 Life under Coronovirus lockdown around the world

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of people around the world. People have been advised to stay indoors and many cities went into complete lockdown to contain the spread of the disease.  

2.2  Impact on social, economical and political: corona virus has made a great impact on world economy. Several countries have imposed travel and trade restrictions. Every day hundreds of new cases are being reported from different countries, triggering a global health scare. Employee has no daily wages. Costs of the essential things are high.. Transport and flight services are stopped. Shopping online is also stopped

2.3  Social distancing. People are asked to stay at home.

2.4 Psychological impacts: In today’s world, the incidence of mental and physical ill health is rising; it is affecting people from all walks of life. The need for counsellors in vital in order to get a professional support. 


3.     HOW TO COMBAT A THREAT?

Within few days, a novel respiratory virus has spread to over 199 countries now. Thousands of lives were lost due to corona virus. How to combat a threat? It is through strictly observing the directions of the civil authorities, equipping and offering the best medical facilities to the victims of this fatal virus, offering psychological and counseling services through professional counselors and social workers, helping one another through compassion, charity and prayer.

3.1 Remedy and Actions taken for preventing corona virus

a.      The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads.  

b.      “As of this month, over a billion children are out of school worldwide because of closures linked to corona virus, Teachers employees who can are asked to work from home, globally

3.2 Observation of the IMF: Global economy is now recession says International monetary fund.

3.3 G20 Response to the Covid 2019: The G20 nations have resolved to collectively inject $ 5 trillion into the global economy to combat the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic on economic world over.

3.4  The WHO has declared this epidemic to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). China and the rest of the world have already been placed under the 'very high' category of WHO's risk assessment scale. The World Health Organization and health experts have said social distancing, self-quarantines and lockdowns can help in containing the spread of the novel corona virus.

3.5  COVID-19 Response Fund


4.      RESPONSES FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES:

4.1 China’s response to covid 2019: The National Health Commission has issued guidelines for emergency psychological crisis intervention for people affected by COVID-19.Medical institutions and universities across China have opened online platforms to provide psychological counselling services for patients, their family members, and other people affected by the epidemic.

4.2 America’s and Italy’s Response to Covid 2019: Although the American medical system is unsurpassed and its public health system has a reputation as one of the finest in the world, struggles to meet the nation’s response.

The health care system in Italy, despite best efforts, is unable to manage the terrible situation of about 66 thousand virus affected people now.

4.3 India’s response to Covid 2019:

The 21-day lockdown is from March 24 midnight to April 14 midnight. Socio-economic costs are alarming. Prime minister of India seeks united G20 action to save humanity from corovirus. Since Corona virus is threatening the world, multilateral forums should rise up to this pandemic situation and promote shared interest. 


5.     RESPSONES FROM THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

5.1 The Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences have put out a joint statement proposing action to be taken in the face of changing priorities brought about by the corona virus pandemic.

The five-point statement is dated 20 March. 

       i.            The importance of early response: “In the future, we need to better coordinate efforts on both the political and health care fronts to prepare and protect the population.” 


     ii.            Support for the scientific community: The statement also advocates for collaboration between international agencies and professional associations.

  iii.            Protection for the poor and the vulnerable:  The Covid-19 pandemic is a common threat that has far-reaching social, economic and political effects. The poor and the vulnerable are often most at risk of suffering injustices in these situations.

  iv.            Global interdependency” One human family, we are interdependent and interconnected.

     v.            Freedom, solidarity and compassion: The Pontifical Academy calls for social cohesion irrespective of social, technical or health policy agenda. It advocates for freedom that is coupled with responsibility and solidarity, since “nobody can succeed alone.” 

The statement ends with a call for cooperation at a time when social distancing is necessary for health reasons. “The act of staying at home is an act of profound solidarity. It is to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’.”


5.2 Pope Francis's resposne to the covid 2019

5.2.1 Pope reaching out and giving with love.

 “Prayer without charity is not complete”.

The church all over the world has joined hands in prayer and adoration. In the past too, the church faced historical moments of epidemics by caring for the sick people and their families and supporting health workers in all possible ways. It is a time for ardent prayer and intercession for the suffering world.

Pope Francis entrusts to Jesus’s mother the suffering and anguish of millions of people affected by the corona virus pandemic.

In a video message broadcast March 11, the pope prayed ... Pope asked Christians worldwide to pray ‘Our Father’ on March 25 in response to coronavirus

Two days later, on March 27, he  granted a plenary indulgence through his 'Urbi et Orbi”. Church forgives sins of those stricken by virus’

Pope Prays for families facing financial problems. His concern is now how to reach out the hungry during the epidemic situation.

Pope Francis will hold Easter mass without public for first time as Italy grapples with corona virus outbreak.

5.2.2 Liturgical guidelines during pandemic: Vatican and Bishops have guided the Catholics with due information circulars and pastoral letters well in advance. 


6. HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS DURING 2019-COVID OUTBREAK

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

Corona virus has been at the forefront of the news cycle for several consecutive weeks now. Corona virus, or COVID-19, has been affecting people worldwide, especially vulnerable populations like the vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the constant news and alerts regarding the Corona virus, there are things you can do to help you manage your psychological distress. Recognizing the signs of increased mental and emotional distress is important. Are you experiencing any of the following?

Increased anxiety, worry, fear and/or feelings of being overwhelmed, Persistent depressive symptoms such as sadness, tearfulness, and/or loss of interest, Feelings of hopelessness and/or paralyzing fear about the future, Sleep difficulties, Isolating self from others, Thoughts about death.

6.1Strategies to cope with stress, anxiety or distress

When many things feel uncertain or out of our control, one of the most effective ways we can manage stress and anxiety is to focus on the actions that are in our control. Here are some ways you can take intentional steps to look after your physical and emotional wellbeing during this challenging time:

6.2 Psychological Tips for Managing Corona virus Concerns

·        Acknowledge your feeling and emotions. Allow yourself time to reflect on your feelings and how you are reacting or coping to the distress.

·        Maintain your normal day-to-day activities.

·        Seek accurate information from credible news sources

·        Limit your exposure to social media reporting

·        Learn how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

6.3 Psycho-education is inevitable: With the lockdown in effect from March 25, According to Bauml, Psycho-education is systematic, structured, didactic information on the illness and its treatment, and includes integrating emotional aspects in order to enable the patients and well as family members to cope with the illness. Knowledge is power.

6.4 Basic protective measures against the new corona virus

·        Wash your hands frequently

·        Maintain social distancing

·        Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

·        Practice respiratory hygiene

·        If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seeks medical care early and stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider.



7. POSTORAL RESOPONSE TO THE CORNO VIRUS FROM MAJOR RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS IN INDIA:

As the entire humanity is undergoing the threat of the pandemic Covid 2019, different efforts are enriching the call to save the humanity.

7.1. Jesuit’s response to the cornoviris: At this critical ‘Corona moment’ of humankind, we dare to cling on to our life-line God, who is our beginning and end, always labouring with us.  Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) is ready with materials for an eight-day online retreat focusing on our encounter with COVID-19, a global pandemic. The retreat begins on April 5th and ends on April 12th (Holy Week). Those interested in joining this retreat are required to register online. Register @ https://jcsaweb.org/online-retreat-april-2020/ 

7.2. Capuchine’s response to Covid 19: Council of psychotherapy and counseling in collaboration with Anugraha College run by Capuchin’s response to Covid 19: mental health is the root of physical health. Counselling combat Covid 19 is initiated on 27th march 2020. Anurgaha is providing free counseling with more than 100 counsellors, available both online and direct counseling. Fr.Lawrence Ofm cap., HOD & Secretary, spoke on “Denial of the reality” (how to face corona psychologically) and Fr.S.Wilson ofm Cap.,Director of Capuchin institute of counseling,psychotherapy and Research, speaks about “our  emotions on Corona virus”.

7.3. Claretian response to the pandemic COVID-19 (Summary of the Superior General, dated 25th March 2020)

       i.            To follow the guidelines given by the civil and ecclesiastical authorities.

     ii.            To respond to the pandemic with Christian and Claretian attitudes and virtues. Calmness (no panicking), faith (not given to helplessness), hope (not desperation and gloom) and love (never indifferent and no acedia).

  iii.            To take the present vulnerable humanity in our hearts to the Lord in prayer and adoration.

  iv.            To bring consolation, hope and strength to others through all means possible rather than be a prophet of doom and sower of negativity.

     v.            Doing ministry using social media


8. CONCLUSION

The virus has reached 199 countries now. We know that for many people life is changing dramatically. My family is not different. During this difficult time, eat nutritious food and avoid smoking and drinking. Do exercise. Look after your mental health. Compassion is a medicine. Avoid fake news. Support Government and authorities. Thank the Doctors and Scientists. Covid 19 is taking from us so much. But it is also giving us something special. The opportunity to come toothier as one humanity to work together, learn together and grow together. We hope that the measures taken by the government will have effect in the coming days.