A heartfelt social media post from Sela Alo has urged the Pasifika community to take the coronavirus disease seriously.
The General Manager of Content at Pacific Media Network announced on Instagram and Facebook that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
In an exclusive interview with PMN News, Sela Alo says one of the main reasons he came out publicly with the announcement was his concern for Pacific communities.
“I know from what I see and what I hear, they are flouting the rules of staying in self-isolation and not taking this seriously enough.”
The symptoms that led to Alo getting tested were in line with what the health authorities have told the public.
“It was like a common cold. Symptoms like a cough, a cold, I had chills. I was really, really lethargic,” says Alo.
He acknowledges he is fortunate his symptoms were mild compared to others.
“Compared to a close friend of mine, who’s actually got COVID-19 as well, he had extreme symptoms and actually went into hospital.”
The former Flava broadcaster says he’s progressing well in his recovery and praised the doctors and nurses from the Auckland District Health Board.
“They call me daily just to monitor my progress and see how my symptoms are and they document that.
“I’m hoping that by the end of the weekend, or even next week, that I’m good enough to go outside and go for a walk with my family because I’m dying to get out there.”
Sela Alo says the coronavirus is deadly, especially for a Pacific community with underlying health issues.
“We already have underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, we have diabetes, obesity in our communities. Now that on its own is enough to deal with. When you add COVID-19 to the mix, it’s a bomb waiting to explode.”
Alo wants Pasifika people to listen and heed the words of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and stay at home.
“The end result of this, if we don’t obey, if we don’t minimise the spread of COVID-19 is death and that’s the reality of our people. Stay home and save lives please.”