In the words of the WA Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
COVID-19 Information
Coronavirus is Not Fair
If you have kids, maybe you’ve had a chance to develop your version of the “life’s not fair” speech. Here’s the public health version of it. There’s nothing fair about disease. Families in our state do not have equal access to medical care, or jobs, or food, or housing. And this puts some of our families at higher risk of getting sick, or losing income or even their homes as a result of a serious illness. Even the way we fight the spread of COVID-19 isn’t fair–some of us are able to stay home and protect ourselves and our loved ones, but some of us have to go to work to provide medical care or keep our grocery stores open. Some kids have access to on-line learning and leftovers in the fridge, and some kids do not. And on a fundamental level, some of us will get COVID-19, and some of us won’t. Some of us will recover, and some of us won’t. Some of us will be able to help others and some of us will need help. There’s nothing fair about it, but at least we know we are all in this together.
There are stories about Washingtonians finding creative ways to help people in their communities who are in need. Social media communities are connecting people who can help with people who need food or groceries delivered. A medical supply company donated their entire supply of personal protective equipment to local hospital emergency rooms. People are sewing masks in their own homes. Chefs and restaurants are turning their restaurants into community kitchens and providing meals to folks in need and to hard working first responders. Artists are hosting virtual dance classes and live concerts on line to keep us entertained. People have found creative ways to help each other, share what they have and build community, all while staying home!
Numbers. The latest numbers can be found here, which are updated daily.
Practice compassion. Stories of discrimination against members of the Asian community are still being reported in the media. This is not fair. All people should feel safe and supported in their communities.
Stay home and stay healthy!
The NurseWorks Northwest Team:
Tricia, Denice, Rachel, and Tonja
