Journal of a Lockdown No. 3

I watch the Sunday preaching video online. I am in a cottage by the pool. It is 9 am. I take notes. Colossians 1:15-20:

[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

What comfort during these troubled and troubling times!

This is the first time in history that the Sunday worship services in church are canceled. Most churches in Metro Manila have gone online--this in compliance with the government's directives for community quarantine. I long for physical fellowship but remind myself this is temporary. It is wise to undertake these precautions. COVID-19 best spreads in large crowds.

Work resumes tomorrow. I advise patients not to follow up if they're not scheduled for chemotherapy.

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Dr. Joey Lapeña shares that despite the Association of Philippine Medical College's directive to exempt interns from going on hospital duties during the COVID-19 crisis, many interns have volunteered to help out.

From UP-PGH interns:
“And we're 156 as of 2PM and more are being added to the ranks. All we're waiting for is the waiver from the DDHO before we start! (And the specific instructions per department) Surg, Pedia, OB, Ortho, NSS are on standby, Hahaha! It is indeed heartwarming!”

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My good friend Fred Ting writes a passionate plea to Filipino doctors in these perilous times.

So Dear Doctor, even if most establishments are closed, everyone is advised to stay home, and yet here we are on skeletal duty, DO NOT BE AFRAID. We’re all in this together. Ten to 15 years of medical training has prepared us for this moment . . . .

We have been through a lot of tough and harsh times before; we will sail through. Remember: To serve your country is always an act of privilege and not a sacrifice.