Understanding and dealing with COVID-19

The first speaker, Dr Cheang Han Kit, a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist in Lam Wah Ee Hospital, explained the mechanics of the coronavirus, where it originated, how it spread worldwide, and how we can combat it through herd immunity using vaccines.

Jul 24, 2021


By Amanda Chan

The new normal is plagued with a multitude of questions. What exactly is the coronavirus? How has it already infected millions of people worldwide? How do we cope with it moving forward? What will be the physical and mental repercussions of this self-isolation? Where is God in all of this?

These were some of the questions addressed by the experts speaking to the friends and parishioners of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit about Understanding and Dealing with COVID-19, the current situation, and its effects in a Zoom talk on July 4,

This talk and QA session was divided into three parts, focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual health, respectively.

The first speaker, Dr Cheang Han Kit, a consultant pediatrician and neonatologist in Lam Wah Ee Hospital, explained the mechanics of the coronavirus, where it originated, how it spread worldwide, and how we can combat it through herd immunity using vaccines.

He also answered many questions and concerns about the vaccines such as their safety and effectiveness, who should be eligible, how to respond to anti-vaxxers, and whether it is safe or advisable to mix vaccines.

After that, Sarah Ann Chou, a clinical psychologist, explained the direct and indirect psychological effects of the virus — the uncertainty that arises from it and the loneliness one feels from having to isolate oneself for one’s own safety and that of others, including loved ones.

She also touched on how we can overcome the challenges posed by isolation through a method called FACE COVID, which was developed by Dr Russ Harris. She then shared the phone numbers of several services we can reach out to if we need a friend or a listening ear in these trying times.

After a short break, Fr Joachim Robert, parish priest of the Cathedral, continued with a talk entitled Surrender FEAR, and explained the meaning of the proverb, Proverbs 3:5-6. One of the biggest takeaways from this session was that we should not run from our fear but, instead, surrender it and place our trust in God. He then demonstrated this using the lives of the Holy Family as an example; Mary saying yes to God, Joseph caring for Mary and the child and Jesus calming the storm.

Through Mark 4:35-41, he reminded us that there is no challenge so big that God cannot overcome it, and noted that Jesus sleeping during the storm was an act of complete surrender to the Father. “To have God in our boat does not mean sailing with no storms. It means having a boat that no storm can sink.”

Finally, he stated that FEAR can mean either Forget Everything And Run, or Face Everything And Rise. If we surrender all our fears to God, we can face any challenges that may come our way. For those who were unable to attend the session or wish to view it again, the recording of this virtual talk is now available on the CHS's Facebook page and on YouTube under the title CHS Forum | Understanding and Dealing with COVID-19.

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