People of the Western Pacific: COVID-19 stories

Keeping our customers safe while they enjoy coffee

I’m an entrepreneur, and I run a neighbourhood coffee shop full-time. The first wave of COVID-19 hit us hard because the lockdown ate through our income and savings in a matter of weeks. So, we decided to pay all our suppliers and pay staff for the month. We wanted our staff to have a bit of peace of mind and some financial cushioning in those difficult months. 

When the Government allowed establishments to open and serve food and beverages, we took the opportunity and approached with caution. We complied with all the government-mandated codes, but more importantly, we observed and practised strict protective measures, mask wearing and physical distancing for staff and customers.

Although unpopular or unconventional for a coffee shop, we’ve also strictly imposed a reservation standard for guests and kept a headcount limit within our coffee shop to ensure physical distancing. This has helped our customers feel safe and comfortable. The alert level in the country is at its lowest since the pandemic began, but we’re still wary about getting sick because we have babies and immunocompromised family members we go home to. We’re also 100% vaccinated and boosted. So, for those who have gotten sick, the side-effects and downtime were not severe.

Arnelli Aportadera, Baguio, Philippines.

Our family is keeping each other safe

I’m 89 and have a chronic lung condition, so I was concerned when COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations were rising here. I’ve had two doses of the vaccine and a booster, and follow all the advice on protective measures.

Every Thursday, we have a family dinner at my place, with my son, his wife and their teenage daughters, and my daughter. After discussing the COVID-19 situation, we decided to stop meeting in person for now.

Instead, we have weekly family video call and sometimes play quizzes. I’m looking forward to safely eating together, hugging my dear granddaughters and trying to beat them at cards again soon.

Liselotte North, Christchurch, New Zealand. 

How we were able to stop the spread of COVID-19 among health-care workers

When Samoa had its first community case, we health-care workers got called in to fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 started spreading among us, but we were able to stop the spread because we followed the protocols and safety measures.

We masked up, kept physical distancing, got vaccinated and stayed home when feeling unwell. We health workers continue to follow all preventive measures so we can continue serving our community.

Kamilo Tuifua, Apia, Samoa.

We did everything to keep our baby safe

I had a baby during the pandemic, and I had to ensure that my son didn’t get ill. We didn’t have any visitors, and even now we limit the number to five people.

We ask them to keep their masks on and wash their hands, and we don’t allow them to come too close to our baby. Before touching and carrying our baby, I always wash my hands. We have also limited where we take our baby outside [our] home to the necessary doctor check-ups and immunization schedules.

Elisha Bird, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 

Nothing could stop us from supporting our students

Twenty students at my university successfully overcame challenges related to the pandemic and graduated as occupational health and safety specialists ready to contribute to society. Lockdowns caused challenges, and we had to adapt to working online. We faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, including the loss of our loved ones, lack of social interaction and COVID-19 infection. 

During these tough times, we supported our students however we could to keep their education on track, like providing mobile data SIMs to ensure internet access. Faculty members developed new methods to help students with their studies and posted all lecture and reading materials online. No matter what challenges we faced, nothing could stop us from supporting our students.

Nansalmaa Munkhtur, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

Protecting the vulnerable and the people we love is a no-regret measure

Our family has run one of the first specialist butcher shops in Fiji since 1938. Based in Fiji’s capital of Suva, our shop and staff have in many ways become part of the extended family of many in the city. When planning a dinner party, birthday or any big celebration, people would often come to us for advice on meat and meals.

So, when Fiji experienced community transmission of COVID-19 in 2021, we needed to find a new way to ensure that our patrons could have safe access to our services. We closely worked with the team to ensure that all staff had access to masks and wore them correctly, hand hygiene was strictly adhered to, [and] the shop was retrofitted to ensure the protection of staff and customers, while limiting the number of people in the store at a time.

We are following these measures – even now that mandates are being lifted – because the virus is still here; it hasn’t disappeared. I also have my mother, uncle and other family members who are older and have underlying conditions. Ensuring their safety is of extreme importance to me. We and our team interact with many people every day, providing a much-loved service, and this means that we must be extra careful. Protecting the vulnerable and the people we love is a no-regret measure.

Gregory Harm Nam, Suva, Fiji.

I’d do everything to avoid being infected again

In April 2020, I had COVID-19 and had to isolate for a month. With the psychological torture of being isolated for a long period of time, I promised myself I'd do everything I could to avoid being infected again.

Since then, and although restrictions have been eased, I take all precautions – wearing a mask and changing it as recommended, getting enough rest, choosing al fresco when I eat at restaurants, and avoiding huge family gatherings, reunions and parties. I also use my social media account to share information on COVID-19 to remind everyone to stay safe.

Jerico Bajador, Manila, Philippines. 

I’ve given up dance lessons for now. I miss them, but I’d rather stay safe

I’m giving up a few activities just now, like dance classes, to stay safe while there are quite a lot of COVID-19 cases here. I miss my dance classes, but I’d rather stay safe and keep my loved ones safe from COVID-19. I’m doing some dancing at home instead!

Shona Roberts, Auckland, New Zealand.

I was able to manage my own stress and anxiety, and that of my loved ones

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I used to wear a mask and use alcohol-based hand rub whenever I travelled by public transport. So, when COVID-19 struck our country and the world, these and other health protocols were not that difficult to practise for me and my family. 

When the Omicron surge happened in January 2022, my family and I got hit. We followed quarantine procedures and completed the isolation days; I had to stay in a room for 15 days. I experienced all of the major symptoms, but thankfully they were mild. The first five days were scary; I thought of the possibility of symptoms progressing, and that could endanger my life and my loved ones. 

We kept communication lines open in our family – and also with some close friends – and checked on each other. We prayed together virtually daily at 18:00 for an hour. It’s a practice we started as a family with my siblings, children, nephews and nieces during the pandemic. 

I was also able to do virtual training for emergency response workers on mental health. I’m a trainer in mental health and psychosocial support with 26 years of experience establishing psychosocial teams nationwide. Although I’m retired, this remains my passion, and my expertise has helped me manage my own stress and anxiety and that of my loved ones and others during this pandemic.

Thelma Barrera, Laguna, Philippines. 

Seeing the smiles of our elderly members made my day

It was so great to see mobile vaccination vans come into our communities to get people vaccinated against COVID-19, especially our elderly members. Seeing smiles on their faces made my day. 

As a community leader and Māori Warden, it was very important to get vaccinated, so that we could set an example for others and educate our own whānau (extended family) on vaccine safety. Māori Wardens have also been able to work with other agencies to get the word out about the importance of vaccination.

Thomas Henry, Auckland, New Zealand.

We isolated at home until we tested negative

My family (my 78-year-old mom, my 59-year-old husband and 22-year-old daughter) tested COVID-19 positive in January 2022. We experienced anxiety and I had a severe headache, runny nose, sore throat, fever and lost my sense of taste. 

So, we stayed home, contacted our school division nurse and barangay (village) chairman to ask what to do. Following the health and safety protocols, we isolated at home until we tested negative and our symptoms totally disappeared. We even stayed apart from each other during isolation. 

What I learned was we should love other people as we love ourselves by staying home when we are not feeling well to avoid spreading COVID-19.

Lorna Esguerra Bojangin, Baliwag, Philippines.

I have never been prouder as a Filipino nurse

Being actively involved in the accredited professional organization of our nurses, I was able to effectively contribute to various educational endeavours. The implementation of a flexible learning system and institutional health and safety protocols for limited face-to-face classes were the trends adopted in the Philippine nursing educational system. 

Due to unexpected circumstances, I was afflicted with COVID-19 infection. But it did not hinder my commitment to utilizing social media as my platform to disseminate relevant health information campaigns. Immediately after my recovery and medical clearance, I continued my active participation as a volunteer vaccinator. It was fulfilling to be involved in the national programme with our colleagues. My experiences and contributions made me more proud as a Filipino nurse.

Melvin Miranda, Manila, Philippines. 

Generosity is always a saving grace

At the onset of the pandemic, I witnessed how people in my community struggled to survive. My husband, kids and I shared what we could afford to give to more than 200 pedicab (cycle rickshaw) drivers in our barangay (village). The little rice and basic commodities we were able to provide helped them for a day or two. 

The biggest lesson COVID-19 has taught me was to become a more generous person, considerate of the needs of others. It is indeed during the most difficult times that we feel our humanity and learn that generosity is always a saving grace for both those at the giving and receiving end.

Maria Fe Inting Molina, Tanauan Leyte, Philippines.