At-Risk Individuals Speak Out on Covid-19

The Covid-19 outbreak is a terrifying time for us all. While we are all taking precautions to reduce our risk of contracting the deadly virus, most of us are still fortunate enough to be able to visit the local shop without too much worry or anxiety. 

However, some are not so lucky and must take extra measures to ensure they don’t catch the virus as it could have a far more detrimental effect on their health. Restrictions that have been put in place mean we all have to minimise travel unless essential, and can only exercise within two kilometres of our homes as a means to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. 

Those of us with pre-existing medical conditions are at a far greater risk of having difficulty battling this virus if they catch it. The same goes for those who are over 60, and people over 70 should be cocooning, a new term within the context of the outbreak that means all face-to-face contact should be avoided and they should stay in their homes during this time. Women who are pregnant are also recommended to take precautions, as the HSE stated that during pregnancy the body naturally weakens the immune system so a health pregnancy can continue. 

Melissa, who lives in London, is currently 24 weeks into her pregnancy. Following news about a number of babies being born with the virus, she is taking extra measures to reduce her chances of getting Covid-19. 

“To protect my mindset I’m only following and reading guidance by hospital and official outlets only,” she said. 

Her partner collects their groceries off of the local supermarket who deliver them to the house as well as collecting their milk from the milkman so Melissa has reduced contact with people outside of the household. Everything gets wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes which is followed by the 20 second hand washing routine. 

In terms of the continuation of her pregnancy, Melissa said that “future midwife appointments have been reduced,” so she is the only one who can attend. 

“I’ll be uber vigilant with regards to touching services, social distancing and coming into contact with the midwife,” she finished. 

Paul Power suffers from multiple respiratory conditions which have reduced his lung capacity to below 50 per cent. Because of this, he is highly at risk of catching the coronavirus and has been cocooning for the last two weeks.  

“It’s not easy, but everything has to be done to minimise the chance that he gets this or else he could die,” said Kathie, his wife. 

Kathie goes to the shop to get the groceries roughly twice a week and once she comes home, everything gets cleaned with alcoholic wipes. The kitchen countertops, door handles and tables all get wiped down a few times a day with similar wipes to further reduce the risk of the virus entering the house. 

This pandemic is a troubling time for all of us. While a majority of us will survive and remain somewhat healthy if we contract the virus, those in the high-risk category are less likely to be as lucky. 

 For those reasons, we should all be extra careful when we leave the house by following government health guidelines, maintaining hygiene levels and keeping our distance from others when in areas with more people such as supermarkets.  

By doing this, we can all ensure that we get through this time together and life can return to normal sooner rather than later. 

• Coronavirus
• COVID-19