Friday, April 3, 2020

Face mask shortage lesson

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January 2020 the coronavirus outbreak became known to the public. Late January, some Chinese friends were caught unprepared by the fast-spreading of the virus and asked if I could temporarily help to get some face mask form local pharmacies in my Italian hometown. With big surprise, after visiting most of the local stores, I realized there were no masks for sale in Italy.

Few weeks later Italy was cruelly hit, became the epicentre of the pandemic with the largest number of deaths. Still, there are not face masks for sale in any pharmacy. Doctors and nurses are poorly equipped despite the government efforts (embarrassing). Normal people have no ways to get any mask (unless sourced in the black market or suspicious overpriced online stores).

Unexpected fast turnaround: ironically, in the middle of the “Chinese virus” crisis (like someone shamelessly called it), Chinese factories are now working hard to relief the worldwide face masks shortage. And the Chinese friends, who sought help at the beginning, now have shipped and donated 100 face masks for me and my family safety. Needless to say, I am moved and extremely grateful.

During these “isolation” days, some smart people keep saying that this pandemic will deeply change our society, vison and values. Perhaps we will learn don’t judge too early, in a global world don’t feel safe that it will never happen to you, don’t be individualistic because can’t do it by yourself, don’t be selfish because never know who may need help …

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