Alessia Bonari. Picture: Instagram/AlessiabonariSource:Instagram''I am physically tired because the protective devices are bad, the lab coat makes me sweat and once dressed I can no longer go to the bathroom or drink for six hours.''
A young nurse in Italy who is helping battle the country's devastating coronavirus outbreak has shared a telling selfie of the toll it's taking on healthcare workers.
Taking to Instagram, Alessia Bonari posted a snap showing bruising around her eyes, nose and forehead which she claims was caused by having to wear ill-fitting protective gear
Captioning the picture she wrote:
“I’m afraid to go to work. I’m afraid because the mask may not adhere to my face, or I may have accidentally touched myself with dirty gloves.
“I am physically tired because the protective devices are bad, the lab coat makes me sweat and once dressed I can no longer go to the bathroom or drink for six hours.
“I am psychologically tired, as are my colleagues, who have been in the same condition for weeks.
“But this won’t prevent us from doing our job as we’ve always done. I will continue to take care of my patients because I am proud and I love my job.”
Ms Bonari then asked anyone reading her message to do their part in stopping the spread of the virus.
“What I ask anyone who is reading this post is not to frustrate the efforts we are making, to be selfless, to stay at home and thus protect those who are most fragile.
“We young people are not immune to coronavirus, we too can get sick … I can’t afford the luxury of going back to my quarantined house, I have to go to work and do my part. You do yours, I ask you please.”
Alessia Bonari. Picture: Instagram/AlessiabonariSource:InstagramHer post, shared a day ago, has gathered 453,000 likes as well as 16,200 comments, with many praising the young nurse for her honesty.
“One person said: Thanks for what you do, sister. Thinking of you every day. Be strong. I love you.”
While another added: “You are an example Alessia, we are all with you. You are all angels. Good job.”
A third commenting wrote: “You are our hope. Not only now but always. You are a part of the Italy we are proud of. Hold on honey.”
Italy is now one of the worst afflicted globally for the coronavirus. Only China and Iran have had more deaths, with the current Italian death toll sitting at 463.
