Cancelling the event and then rescheduling it again, despite the fact that there is a disease going around the world causing lots of distress to other people doesn’t make sense to me. It is either that the current deciding factors are somewhat bipolar or it’s all “money talk”.
Everyone knows that when money talks, people listen… not just people but even the government itself. It makes people blind; it makes them neglect the things that are more important; not just to them but to other people around them. I think what’s happening right now is the application of the phrase “money makes the world go round”, its just that they are focused on tourism here in Baguio and would not even reconsider the damage it may inflict to the people. They are eyeing for the profits they would gain, fame through social media, and attraction of people from other places just to come and celebrate the festival. They themselves issued a notice that it is prohibited to conduct events that would accumulate a lot of audiences but what are they doing now? Are they going back on their word or are they just lying right to our faces? Pffft! So ironic.
And yes, I’m also taking in consideration about health and the well being of Baguio people. Health is Wealth as everyone says but are you willing to exchange that kind of wealth to a mere millions of peso? Are you willing to exchange the lives of people that may be affected when disease outbreaks in the city? Are you willing to exchange the hopes and dreams of people that may be shattered when they are infected with this epidemic? And I think the answer is likely yes, they are willing to take the risk even lives of hundreds or thousands of people are at stake. Because Panagbenga is still going to take place whether you like it or not, a lot of people will be fluctuating here in Baguio whether you like it or not, and the city will be prone to the said Corona Virus whether you like it or not. The form of its transmission is from person to person or even contact with infected surfaces or objects… a distance of about 6 feet from the infected person can already be a form of transmission from him to you, coughing can be also possible and it would be more contagious when inhaled into the lungs. Now imagine, during the festival… thousands and thousands of people will be watching the events of the city, you can’t maintain that 6 feet distance from other people and you can’t prevent other people from coughing. The events are already scheduled so I’ll be giving you some preventive measures (from WHO) that you can do to avoid the said virus:
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth- Stay home when you are sick
– Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
– Use recommended face masks- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing… if soap are not readily available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. And always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Here are also some tips (from Indian Express) to on how to use your body’s natural defense mechanism which is immunity (foods to consider eating):
-Garlic (It is a powerful anti-viral. It can be eaten raw, mashed or can be added to soups. Mix chopped raw garlic with a tablespoon of unpasteurised, raw honey and consume a clove every day after two to three days. It’s a fantastic way to boost your immune system.
-Star anise (The flower-shaped spice contains shikimic acid that is used as a base material for the production of Tamiflu, which is used for influenza virus. It is super powerful as an anti-viral. Take star anise and boil it in water and add it to your teas like green tea or black tea.)
– Ginger (Take mashed ginger and star anise, and make a concoction by adding little raw, unpasteurised honey.)
– Coconut oil (You can cook your food in pure cold-pressed coconut oil or even have it raw. Lauric acid and caprylic acid present in it are essential for boosting the immune system against virals.)
– Resveratrol (Foods rich in resveratrol such as peanuts, pistachios, grapes, red, white wine, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and even cocoa and dark chocolate are helpful to fight fungal infection, ultraviolet radiation, stress, and injury)
– Vitamin-C rich foods (Vitamin-C rich foods such as amla, red peppers, yellow peppers, Vitamin C supplements are a must-have.)- Anti-viral herbs (such as oregano, tulsi, dried thyme are great for immunity, and can be used in teas or curries for respiratory health including mucous problems which can become a “breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens”.)
– Inhale essential oils like thyme, oregano, eucalyptus or star anise. One can also use a diffuser in the room.
– You need a good pre-biotic or pro-biotic to keep your gut healthy. The healthier your gut, the stronger is your immune system. One can also have rice or beetroot kanji.
– It’s important to stay away from white sugar.
– Minerals like zinc and selenium should be included. They can be found in almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, unsalted cashew nuts and unsalted pistachios.
– All these dietary changes should also be coupled with good exercise and proper sleep.
Prevention is all that we can do now, we can’t change the minds of the people in higher positions but we can still make a change in our own lives… whether it be big or small, a change is still a change.
That’s it for me, and I’ll see you in the next one. Bye~
Chivalry's World 