Alden’s urgent plea to PUIs: Be honest to doctors

Alden Richards

Alden Richards has urged those who are being evaluated for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to be truthful about their travel history.

“Let’s be honest when answering [doctors’] questions. Please disclose all your travel history or possible exposure to the virus. If you have been in contact or interacted with someone sick, someone confirmed to have COVID-19, I hope you let the authorities know immediately,” he said.

The 28-year-old star’s reminder is timely and crucial, given recent reports of doctors and other health workers getting infected by patients who lied about visiting countries considered to be coronavirus hot spots.

“It’s not just your own health you’re saving, but other people’s lives, too,” he pointed out. “Let’s help each other to fight COVIF-19. We’re in this together as we face and triumph over this trying moment.”

The Kapuso actor also offered words of encouragement to all his fellow “#TeamBahay,” who can’t help but feel nervous about our country’s situation.

“Sometimes we wonder why we’re given this kind of challenge. It’s tough. We’re all scared because we don’t know what could still happen. But at the same time, if you look around, you will see that there’s also unity, cooperation and compassion for each other,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alden turned emotional talking about his elder brother, RD, who works as a nurse in California, United States. “As much as I want him to not go out anymore, he said he can’t because patients will suffer,” he related, choking back tears, in an interview with GMA 7’s evening newscast “24 Oras.” “I feel for him, but he needs to do his job.”

That’s why he couldn’t be more thankful to all our frontliners saving other people’s lives at the expense of their own.

“COVID-19 is taking a toll on us. A lot are getting sick and risking their lives. I want to thank them for the sacrifices they do for our sake. We’re fighting an invisible enemy and it’s no joke. Still, you’re there— the military, policemen, the tanods, doctors, nurses and the reporters who bring the news,” he said.

“Thank you so much. We’re not physically there, but our prayers, minds and hearts go out to all of you,” he added. —ALLAN POLICARPIO