How are you feeling right now in the midst of a pandemic?

I feel stuffy and stuck.

What does your day-to-day look like as we practice social distancing?

I work from home which I’m really fortunate to do. That takes most of my day. I was just telling my best friend that even scheduling your day around one specific place, which is your home, can be a challenge in itself. I noticed that time goes by quickly. And how much work consumes my life and day. I feel like because I have nowhere to do but be stuck at my desk — more so now— I feel noticeable discomfort in my back. I really try to get some physical activity in by going outside for a quick stroll at the end of the day and do at least a 30-minute intense cardio work out. 

“Also, just because we are so far away from the other side of the globe, the people in the U.S. have underestimated the potential devastation this virus could bring.”

What do you do to keep yourself sane?

Recently I picked up guitar and I’m learning and there’s an incredible amount of resources online that you can take advantage of including Youtube tutorials. Whether that means learning new chords and techniques. And I actually picked up a new routine in the morning. I do yoga right after getting ready and making coffee. While my coffee is brewing I do a 10 minute Yin yoga which has been extremely helpful because it wakes me up physically but also mentally. It gives me a moment to meditate and be kind to myself by choosing one word to set the tone and theme of the day. That way I am more intentional and more purposeful about what kind of day I want to achieve, and that is extremely important to me. Like the other day, I chose the word gratitude. To remind myself that I have an incredible privilege to stay at home — having a shelter and having a job that makes my ends meet but also the job that fulfills me. All in the comfort of my own home. I’m just really really grateful. Right after that, I pour myself the brewed coffee and my work will be right in front of me.

Before the COVID-19 affected the U.S, how did you first react to the disease?

Honestly, I was more nonchalant when I first heard about the outbreak in China. I remember back in January when I saw my colleagues from CDC PHAP got a call to be deployed at the JFK quarantine center. I learned that this was going to be a substantial public health urgency. And, I saw this — I guess like a hurricane — just becoming more massive. And it took the entire country and continent by storm. It really had a devastating effect on China and that was only the beginning. And it spread from Asia to the U.S. now. I was really disappointed not seeing immediate action taken by the government. The federal level specifically. It was interesting how the CDC guidelines started with a simple recommendation such as washing hands for 20 seconds which we all should have been doing before the outbreak to now debating whether we should be wearing masks. And for me as an epidemiologist I have never felt so frustrated — and because of my inability to take a direct action due to so much uncertainty about the disease in itself — hence, I have felt unequipped to my job. Also, just because we are so far away from the other side of the globe, the people in the U.S. have underestimated the potential devastation this virus could bring.

What concerns you the most from this experience?

The numbers are staggering. People are dying. And it should not be downplayed or compared to the flu which CDC has in the past because we didn’t know much about the disease. And right now, we haven’t even reached the peak yet which is the scary part. There will be a lot of ramifications in the aftermath. There is also a possible second wave of outbreak as other countries are just now getting over with their respective COVID hurdle.

What are some things that you have realized from this experience?

That we have a long way to go in the U.S. It’s so ironic to me. How we are known to be most medically advanced. Some of the best healthcare deliveries you could find in the world yet our supply of basic equipment to protect the people who are sick is very low.

As soon as this is “over,” what do you wish to do immediately?

Run to central park and take the subway back home.

What is one advice you have for others?

Take social distancing seriously. The sooner and more thoroughly you comply with social distancing the sooner we will overcome.  

What do you crave the most right now?

Pizza and pho.

What brings you joy especially at times like this?

Music and cooking.