Standing tall in the face of the coronavirus pandemic are these healthcare workers who volunteered to be stationed at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Willingly stepping forward for a challenging role, these medics from the Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi screened thousands of passengers flying in daily.
Khaleej Times spoke to the medics after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched an online campaign (#ThankYouHeroes) to thank healthcare workers in the UAE.
"We were screening all passengers, pilots and crew. It's our duty to ensure people's safety. Sometimes the call for duty goes beyond the pledge, it comes from within," said Kasserine Libot, a nurse.
Reflecting on elevated risks in such situations, she said: "We wore protective gears, N-95 masks, gloves and were covered from head to toe. In fact, our swab test was also done to check if we were infected."
Nurse Melody Bacor said she thought it was a "great opportunity to serve people" when the administration sought volunteers for the job. "Shedding all my initial inhibitions, I stepped forward to do the job."
Melody said most passengers fully cooperated, while a few were apprehensive. "I know the risks involved. Therefore, taking some precautionary measures to protect myself was crucial. I used to carry a plastic bag with me. I would put my uniform and shoes in that packet before entering my home."
Ray Christian Salazar, another nurse, said he stepped up because he wanted his son to be proud of him. "I've received so much from the UAE. This is the time to step up and give back to the country. This is my little contribution to the nation."
Copyright © 2020 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
