…after 49 days in isolation

AFTER spending 49 days in isolation because of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, Commissioner of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Neaz Subhan, has finally been discharged and medically cleared.

Subhan, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on March 29, 2020, had been placed in isolation for 49 days because of lingering symptoms related to COVID-19.
“It was an exceptionally challenging and life-changing period which I never envisaged and which I wish no one would have to experience, simply because of the known devastating effects of the virus,” said Subhannin a press statement.

While, inexplicably, many here may seem oblivious to the crippling effects this pandemic has on affected individuals, their families, communities and the country as a whole, Subhan saw first hand and therefore respectfully believed he was in a better position to offer related advice on the need for all to heed the advisories and take maximum precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Spending 49 days away from my family was naturally difficult; however, even more impacting was being enshrouded in uncertainty over what my eventual outcome would be and when clearance would be achieved. With every passing day, that gradually eroded my mental strength weakening any inherent ability to fight and not give up.

“With the virus being new and research ongoing, I learnt that some patients take much longer than the expected 14-day period to be cleared. Unfortunately, I was in that category along with a few others here and overseas. I therefore reluctantly resigned myself to the uncertainty of when, taking some comfort knowing I was not alone,” said Subhan, as he reflected on his experience.

While there were moments during that passage of time when he may have emotionally succumbed, his faith in Allah; the support and prayers of his family, friends and others, many of whom were not personally known to him; the sustained and valiant efforts of the dedicated doctors and nurses along with their support teams; treatment and care administered, are responsible for his recovery and eventual discharge.

For this, he said he remains profoundly grateful for their efforts and that of the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and her team not just for his recovery, but for all others. While there were challenges in some related areas as the effects of the virus and its treatment evolved and there are areas for improvement, the treatment and care he received and witnessed for many others, were beyond his expectation, dissipating his harboured perceptions of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

“I witnessed how emotionally devastated the medical teams were when, despite their best efforts, a patient unfortunately succumbed. I also witnessed their tears of joy when others recovered. It hallmarks their primary focus of doing all within their powers to save lives. For that, they must be commended and their efforts recognised. They are truly, in spite of their own personal challenges, our frontline heroes in the fight against Covid 19,” said Subhan.

Many lessons were learnt during those 49 days; lessons that must be heeded and shared; lessons he hopes can be helpful to others and lessons that could save lives.
Unfortunately, and inevitably, COVID-19 has attracted unnecessary stigmatisation for both patients and their families. Sadly, it has even extended to healthcare workers with some refused accessed to public transportation as one manifestation.

This, Subhan believes, must be confronted through sustained education from all possible fronts for the virus does not discriminate with regard to time, ethnicity, politics, religion or social status. “I will endeavour to do my best to aid in awareness for prevention and for the removal of stigmatisation. I remain available to participate in any related effort.