Help suit up our frontline heroes in their battle

SUPERHEROES do not come in capes these days. They wear medical scrubs.

Their armour is the personal protective equipment (PPE) that they put on in their confrontation with an unseen enemy, codenamed SARS-CoV-2.

Which is why it is unsettling to know that PPE stock for frontliners can perhaps only last for several weeks.

“The use of PPE has risen by two to 10 times more than the normal use, ” said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on Monday.

And the Health Ministry tweeted yesterday evening about the PPE stock available for its medical teams. Among others:

> Footwear/boot cover – 78 days

> Protective head cover – 52 days

> Disposable face shield (eye visor, face shield or goggles) – 25 days> Disposable fluid-resistant apron (long sleeves with cuffs) – 23 days

> Jumpsuit/protective coverall – 19 days

There have been many accounts of Malaysians getting together to make PPE for the frontliners.

But with this latest numbers laid bare, it is hoped that more companies, NGOs or even private citizens will come forward to give a helping hand.

These frontliners risk exposure to the deadly virus every day.

It was reported last week that nine medical workers had been infected by patients whose condition was unknown at the time they sought treatment.

Another three were infected via ground screening, among others.

Thus, more can be done for our frontliners as they work to protect Malaysians from Covid-19.

They also make personal sacrifices. They self-isolate from their loved ones.

Some have even taken to spending time in the garden or porch when at home as they want to protect their families from possible risks.

The quantum of PPE usage may further increase as no one knows when the outbreak can be contained.

There is no end yet to this horror movie.

For now, let’s keep our end of the bargain by adhering to social distancing rules.

Like what Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah said in her interview with The Star, Malaysians need to exercise greater self-discipline.

This is also the time that we rally together to help protect the safety of our medical staff. Show them that we care.

Remember the song Superman (It’s Not Easy) by Five for Fighting? Part of the lyrics say:

“Even heroes have the right to dream. And it’s not easy to be me.”

So as you go to bed tonight, keep our brave frontliners in your thoughts and prayers.