SPARTAN warriors were feared by their enemies as they were always ready for any battle. The soldiers were legendary for their professionalism, intense physical and mental stamina, and absolute dedication to the defense of their land (National Geographic).
Historians from the ancient times spread the feats of Sparta’s military might, and the word spartan evolved through time—it refers not only to the inhabitant of ancient Sparta but also to a person of great courage and self-discipline (Merriam-Webster).
The world right now is waging a war against an invisible enemy—the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
In the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, the Covid-19 cases are increasing. To determine the spread of the disease in these densely populated urban areas, a rapid mass testing was launched on May 6, 2020 under the multi-sectoral initiative Project Balik Buhay (PBB). The results would guide the local government units’ actions in dealing with the Covid-19 in the months to come.
The PBB implementors, however, noticed a low turnout of test takers. As of May 12, 2020, only 14,747 residents have been tested, or only 37.37 of the 39,564 target.
Most village chiefs said several residents who had been listed to take the tests refused to go out of their houses. Convincing the residents to undergo testing was hard as most of them had doubts and questions relating to their safety, according to the barangay officials.
To win the war against the Covid-19, the residents in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu must have the ancient Spartans’ mindset. They must not only have the courage to stay at home and endure the lockdown; they must also have the courage to get out to the testing centers and face the needle.
The Covid-19 knows no one; it could strike anyone. Knowing one’s status by taking the rapid test is a spartan act of defending one’s body against the viral invader.