Michael*and his parents started experiencing body pains, low oxygen levels, and difficulty in breathing in April this year. They all tested positive for COVID-19 and underwent home quarantine for two weeks. Neighbors and friends within the area provided them with the supplies they needed. Although Michael’s father continues to take medication due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, Michael is thankful that all of them have already tested negative and are recovering.
Joshua*, on the other hand, may have had mild symptoms, but COVID-19 reminds him of its clutch on his system. Although he feels much better at present, he experiences stomach flu from time to time.
Michael and Joshua, who are in their early 20s, are two of the unknown number of UA&P students who have contracted the disease since the lockdowns started in March 2020. Last month, the two became part of the 25 recipients of the COVID-19 care kits prepared and sent by the Center for Student Affairs (CSA), through the Office of Student Services (OSS), to select UA&P students who tested positive for COVID-19 and were on home quarantine in April.
A care package
The care kits each contain a pulse oximeter, alcohol, face masks, fruits, packed meals, and medicines, which include paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, vitamins, and oral antiseptic. The kits were sent in batches via courier on April 16, April 24, and May 4.
“We hope that the kit can help in some way in the recovery process of the students,” said Mrs. Arianne A. Vito Cruz, head of CSA-OSS.
CSA keeps track of the students’ well-being through the weekly student health survey disseminated via different channels. On average, 150 to 300 student responses are received weekly—roughly 15% of the student population—and very few cases of COVID-19 were being recorded. A significant increase, however, was seen this April when more than 10 cases were reported.
“We were able to get the responses of all those who needed assistance, so we helped them accordingly,” Mrs. Vito Cruz remarked.
Michael and Joshua were grateful. “It was a resupply of the basic necessities needed while suffering from COVID-19,” the former commented.
“The oximeter, specifically, had been very helpful,” Joshua highlighted.
Open up
Mrs. Vito Cruz encourages all students to answer the survey regularly not only to report if they have symptoms but also to indicate how else they need assistance.
CSA has developed new programs aimed at catering to the current needs of the students. Students can participate in online games or join virtual spiritual enrichment activities if they want to. Career fairs are conducted online too. The Guidance Office continues to provide assistance regarding mental health, a health aspect that those affected by COVID-19 in one way or another can very much relate to.
Michael admitted feeling emotionally drained during his family’s ordeal. “People are suffering more from the emotional and mental struggle involved in contracting the virus,” Michael shared. As an only child, he tended to his parents alone when the three of them got sick. He missed school for two weeks, as he felt really weak.
“It is not the actual virus that could kill you, but rather the emotional pain and feeling of being alone.” He knew it from experience.
Hence, he would like to tell his fellow students who are undergoing painful experiences at the moment due to the pandemic to open up to other people about what they feel.
“Talk to your friends. I’m pretty sure they care for you more than you could ever imagine.”
That same care is what Michael was reminded of when he received the package from the University.
“The care kit was a reminder that the UA&P community will always be there to support its students, and I felt how much the institution cared for my well-being.”#
*Real names withheld for privacy reasons.
If they are feeling the symptoms of COVID-19, students are advised to report their condition to their community BHERT (Barangay Health Emergency Response Team). They can inform CSA directly or answer the weekly student health survey. Likewise, they can inform their program coordinator/dean. CSA will coordinate with them as well.
Banner photo by Lucrezia Carnelos on Unsplash.
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