Neighbour's kind act for Melbourne doctor during lockdown
A Melbourne emergency physician has shared the kind act of a neighbour who mowed his lawn for him, giving the exhausted doctor a moment of happiness during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Stephen Parnis, a former Australian Medical Association Vice President, has detailed the long and gruelling hours spent working in Melbourne hospitals since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
He has been vocal on the lack of PPE provided to medical staff, criticised those with symptoms who refuse testing and provided a sobering look into the reality of medical staff working on the front line.
So when he woke to find a sunny morning and a neighbour who had mowed his lawn, the doctor took a moment to say thank you.
“It's hard to describe the healing that comes from a blue sky and a neighbour who cut my grass out of kindness. I know that despite the fatigue, there's more to be done to deal with #COVID19Vic.
“We have learned much about the virus, and ourselves. We are diminished without each other,” Dr Parnis shared on Twitter on Saturday.
Coronavirus cases among Victoria's nurses reach frightening levels
'Everything was negative': Scary 'silent' coronavirus story behind photo
'I am frightened': Emergency doctor's plea as Victoria coronavirus cases soar
The tweet was met with followers applauding the doctor’s neighbour for the small act that made a big difference.
“The true spirit of Australian mateship is on display in Victoria. So inspiring,” one follower replied.
“It's more important than ever that we support each other during difficult times like #COVID19Vic. The only way we can get through any crisis is by supporting each other,” another person commented.
Lunchtime at work used to be about getting some food and having a break. Now, it's also about giving one's face a rest from those painful N95 masks. #COVID19Vic pic.twitter.com/QZFGP3HjVc
— Stephen Parnis (@SParnis) August 17, 2020
The night before the post Dr Parnis shared a small victory at the end of a long shift as he rode home along empty Melbourne streets.
“In emergency yesterday, it felt like at least this hospital is now winning against COVID-19. Riding home last night along deserted streets, I acknowledged why - the sacrifices of Victorians in lockdown number two. Healthcare workers thank YOU for your pain and sacrifice,” he tweeted Friday.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
