Sadly a local GP has died. I had only met him a few times but was surprised to find that he was in his 80’s as I assumed that he was about twenty years younger. Well respected in the area, COVID-19 got him.
My own exposure to patients has increased. In the last week I have seen more patients in a face to face role than I did last month. I do have access to PPE, this being a simple fluid resistant mask, a bin liner apron, gloves and if I feel it is needed, a visor. We are taking temperature measurements at work from everyone daily, but have lost two others this week. Thanks to testing, the symptomatic members of their households will find out if they are carrying the plague or not and hopefully they will be back soon.
With lockdown easing, I know that not only am I seeing more patients, but the numbers of those infected by COVID is to increase. I know that others have faced much more risk than me, but I know that the odds that I face are getting worse.
Every time I go to work, I am rolling the dice and I have no desire to join Dr Mirza as another local healthcare worker who has died in this pandemic.
Anyway, he was respected and I am even more impressed with him now that I know how old he was. May he rest in peace.
