A support group was formed on Facebook to provide support to those who tested positive for COVID-19 and its families.
In the group “Coronavirus Survivors PH – COVID 19 Survivors PH,” members exchange experiences.
According to Sherwin Ramos, one of the founders of the group, this is a way for them to guide and inspire those affected by the disease.
“It’s a community of mga survivor na nagtutulungan, kung ano mga experiences nila, paano nila na-surpass,” Ramos said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
“’Yong iba, eventually parang tinatawag nila na ga-graduate, pino-post nila ‘yong results nila na nag-negative na sila after how many weeks or months,” he added.
Today, the group has more than 5,000 members.
Ramos hopes that in a small way, those who are positive for COVID-19 will be given hope.
“Don’t get discouraged kung kayo ay nag-positive,” he said. “Malaking tulong ‘yong group sa mga survivors, especially sa mga naka-quarantine mag-isa.”
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Facebook group provides support to COVID-19 patients
For Dr. Kenneth Gacula, also a COVID-19 survivor, it is hard to get through when he gets sick, but he has to fight back.
“If you are a faithful person, pray and of course ask for help. That’s the best thing that I could really say,” said Gacula.
“Of course, in isolation, we are alone. But with the help of other people, cheering for you, believing in you, tiwala lang talaga na kakayanin mo siya until the very end,” he said.
This Easter, the church also encouraged the public to hold on and trust in the faith.
“Huwag tayong sumuko, lumaban tayo, dahil naniniwala tayo na hindi tayo nag-iisa sa laban na ito. At anumang laban, basta sama sama, kinakaya. At siyempre, huwag kalimutan ang Diyos,” said Fr. Gaudencio Carandang Jr., parish priest of St. John Bosco Parish in Manila.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reached 784,043 on Saturday, of which 165,715 were active cases or still ill.