RMO Day 12 - Roadblocks

“PETUGAS KESIHATAN”

There were still a lot of cars on the road. Most were using exceed to buy groceries and essential items. As everybody was using their own vehicles, the amount of traffic on the road built up. Along the main highway stretches, there were roadblocks erected. Yesterday, one of my colleagues spent two hours trying to clear the stop, ending up late for work.

Despite today being a Sunday, there was still many roadblocks and cars around. Luckily I went for my post-call rounds early and was not stopped. I was stopped twice on my way back, but the Police did not ask me anything since I have a piece of paper on my dashboard which read “Petugas Kesihatan” or “Healthcare Worker”. But the wait was not when we were in front of the Policeman, it was the long queue getting there.

So, as usual, despite being able to leave later than usual, I ended up leaving at around the same time I normally would before the curfew. I also returned to the house only once, right at the end of work so that I just get changed just once. This will hopefully save me the hassle of being stopped again.

Essential items in the house!

Spending the later part of the afternoon at the balcony waiting for the sun to set

I think the Police should not block main highways as those were the route essential staffs usually take. Just put up blocks entrances to supermarket and check what business those people have. The smaller road often carries less traffic as well, meaning less delay.

The situation is not perfect. Luckily having to rush to the hospital is rare for me, but you never know. These roadblocks could also end up killing the patients. Hopefully, the Police would listen to feedback from the Public. There is no point asking us to work when the restrictions ended up causing more problems. I pity my Nurses and other allied staffs who had long shifts, having to negotiate more problem getting in and out of works. That’s no way you treat your “heroes” isn’t it?

So, for those taking a trip outside the house, please think before you do so. The roadblocks and delays for the Healthcare Workers are the unintended consequences of your actions …