Millions of people are currently experiencing “fatigue” from the coronavirus. And experts fear that “pandemic fatigue” leads many to ignore recommendations for the prevention COVID-19 and restrictions. So often forgotten and washing hands, and wearing masks and distancing to other people. This crisis fatigue is understandable, but experts caution people from its consequences.
the Hong Kong edition South China Morning Post cites the example of 28-year-old accountant from Hong Kong’s dick Wong, who admits that he became less likely to wash their hands, but feels a growing need to meet friends on the street, despite the fact that he knows what not to do.
the Young man says he’s tired of the precautions in force since then, as in January in Hong Kong was hit by a coronavirus.
First, dick Wong was so afraid to get infected, I was willing to do anything to protect themselves. He closely followed the news, every four hours, changed his mask, daily cleaning and disinfecting your home, no matter how late he returned home. Meet up with my friends for two months.
Now he feels exhausted physically and mentally from stress due to fear of infection, social isolation and changes in their daily lives.
dick Wong distressed the fact that all his efforts have failed to end the crisis. The pandemic not only survived but deteriorated sharply in Hong Kong, where this month there was a surge in the number of new cases.
“Now I can barely muster the strength to to do something, he says. For many months I held on maximum alert and take all necessary measures to protect themselves from infection. This greatly exhausted me.”
writes the South China Morning Post, dick Wong is not alone in experiencing what experts called “pandemic fatigue”. Due to the fact that the global crisis in health care was delayed for more than six months and no end in sight, many became increasingly disappointed in the cautionary measures COVID-19.
Experts warn that such an attitude may aggravate the consequences of the crisis. In the same Hong Kong as the result of a new surge in infections the number of confirmed cases has increased to 2300, while 16 people died.
Despite this new wave of coronavirus, many Hong Kongers ignore the warning of health authorities and flock to the beaches, some without masks. Others refuse to wear masks on public transport, although the government was obliged to do it and threatened with a maximum fine of 5000 Hong Kong dollars. Recently was introduced the compulsory wearing of masks in all enclosed public places.
Clinical psychologist cherry Lin Lijun from Hong Kong red To��esta says that pandemic fatigue is a psychosocial phenomenon, caused by the prolonged period of wakefulness, a decrease in the fear pandemic, changes in the daily routine and uncertainty in life.
Those who suffer from this phenomenon, feel physical and mental fatigue, some become less vigilant and more relaxed attitude to the precautionary measures.
“People do not wash their hands as often as in the beginning of the outbreak,” said cherry Lin, adding that others are beginning to ignore the advice that it is better not to go out.
the Psychiatrist, Dr. Hui Lancet said that pandemic fatigue was beginning to affect people in March, when the crisis was serious, despite the measures taken to restrict the freedom and social exclusion. Many were disappointed that their efforts are unable to control the pandemic, he said.
“Pandemic fatigue, on the one hand, to make the public less anxious and frightened, but, on the other hand, it can make people to weaken their defense,” – said the psychiatrist.
infectious disease Expert Dr. Joseph Tsang Kayani believes that pandemic fatigue may have contributed to the resumption of cases COVID-19. He says that this change of attitude should be taken seriously, otherwise it may worsen the crisis.
Long the pandemic also affects people with mental health problems. Deputy Director of the nonprofit organization Hong Kong Association for mental health Chin Chacon warns that pandemic fatigue can have a devastating impact both on individuals and on society.
“Significant changes caused by the pandemic has had an enormous pressure on people, and prolonged exposure to stress, both physical and emotional can lead to mental problems,” he says.
the Expert adds that fatigue affects the activities of people at work and may worsen their relationship, at the same time, making all people more relaxed in respect of precautions against the pandemic or rejection of them, which poses a threat to public health.
the Specialist said that it is important to recognize and overcome the fatigue of a pandemic, especially a pandemic is unlikely to end soon.
He proposes to develop new procedures for restoring a sense of control in life, such as the allocation of time for sports, the use of technologies to stay in touch with family and friends, and a clear idea of the time for work and leisure.
Clinical psychologist Dr Eliza Chung Yili, the head of service of psychological support of the Hong Kong red cross, said that the authorities and the public need to change strategies with pandemic fatigue, because the fear of the coronavirus no longer works as before: “the Pandemic continues for so long that people went through a phase purely motivated by fear that dictates the need to take protective measures.”
Dr Chong says that people who know that they have pandemic fatigue, I have to admit that the safety precautions will protect themselves, their communities and society.
