SOLA Editorial Board member Daniel K. Eng interviewed Chi Lam, a nurse practitioner in New York City, about COVID-19’s effects in his city, as well as how we can pray and support one another during this time.
This is a part of a series on Asian American Christian medical professionals who are working on the front lines to combat COVID-19. We hope these interviews and perspectives will help us to become more knowledgeable about the current pandemic so that Christians can pray more fervently and be a shining light within their communities.
Daniel Eng: What is the situation like in New York City right now?
Chi Lam: The curve seems to have flattened. Hospital admissions have slowed, and the death rate is starting to decrease as well. However, NYC ICUs and Emergency Rooms are still at or over capacity. Non-essential businesses are still closed. NYC public schools are closed and will be closed for the remainder of the school year.
For the most part, people are doing a great job staying home and obeying social distancing rules when they must go out. The measures placed on the state are working, but we are not out of the woods yet.
Daniel Eng: What do you wish the general public would understand about COVID-19? Are the news reports accurate?
Chi Lam: There are many unknowns with COVID-19, as it is a new virus. Doctors and scientists are constantly discovering new information regarding this virus. Do not believe everything you read/watch on TV/the Internet. Seek out credible sources, such as the CDC, Dr. Fauci, and your primary care provider.
With regard to treatment, there is very little data to prove that any of the options are working. Initially, there was a significant lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals. However, most of the well-known hospitals have sufficient PPE at the moment. But, many of the nursing homes and less well-known medical facilities are still lacking PPE.
Daniel Eng: In what ways can we support healthcare workers?
Chi Lam: Stay home. It is okay to go out to exercise or go for a walk in a non-crowded area, but wear a mask and practice social distancing when doing so. Wash your hands with soap. Donate to groups that have been organized to deliver PPEs, coffee machines, food, and other items to the front line workers. It makes them feel acknowledged and appreciated during this difficult time.
Daniel Eng: How can we pray for this situation?
Chi Lam: Please pray for wisdom for the leaders of this country. The curve in NYC seems to have flattened, but the experts believe that it is still way too soon to reopen the city for business. Reopening the city prematurely will ensure a second wave that is worse than the first wave.
Please pray for the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of the health care workers. Many have expressed that they feel like they are going through PTSD in the midst of their battle against COVID-19. Many of them are witnessing death and encountering the sickest patients at the highest volumes that they have ever seen in their entire careers. Seeing patients dying alone in their ICU beds breaks their hearts. Healthcare workers are in pain, but they will continue their fight for us because that’s what they do. Let’s do our part so that they can do their part.