Local doctors encouraged by show of support

By GILLIAN SLADE on April 4, 2020.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade

Local doctors say Hatters clapping their hands in support of frontline healthcare workers on Friday is an encouragement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we, the health professionals, are bracing to face the outbreak of COVID-19 in coming weeks, the gesture of thanks from police and public is making our resolve even stronger to serve the community,” said Dr. Minati Devi, pediatrician. “Thanks for staying home and keeping all of us safe.”

Hatters were encouraged to stand outside their homes, on balconies, outside buildings where they happened to be at 6 p.m. on Friday and clap their hands for 15 seconds to send a message of thanks and support.

Physicians, nurses, all those working at the hospital including cleaners and those in the laundry, those in doctors offices, paramedics, air ambulance operators, those working with seniors in seniors residences, home care workers and more, are putting their lives on the line like never before to care for all of us during this COVID-19 pandemic. They understand the personal risks they are taking but they are doing it anyway.

Dr. Debkant Jena, chief of surgery at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, notes that addressing the COVID-19 virus is “our common battle.”

“We thank the public and also the other front line workers in our community, many of whom are the unsung heroes in our battle against the pandemic. We thank the public for maintaining the distance and doing their part in this collective battle against the pandemic,” said Jena.

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