The world of Tzu Chi March 2020(Vol.120)

21 TZU CHI 120 In response to the urgency of the epidemic spreading throughout China, Tzu Chi Malaysia gathered an assortment of medical supplies, such as medical masks, N95 face masks, protective clothing, protective footwear, latex gloves and disposable bedsheets, from various sources to be delivered in batches to epidemic-hit areas across China. Tzu Chi volunteers have been cooperating closely with manufacturers to expedite the packing and delivery processes. On February 11, Tzu Chi Malaysia supplied 222 students from Madrasah Hashimiah, a religious school in Selayang, Selangor, with 250 face masks, two bottles of hand sanitizing liquid and 200 water purification tablets. Furthermore, the organization collaborated with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to provide assistance to the Malaysians and their families who were evacuated fromWuhan by offering interpreting services and distributing daily essentials. In light of the epidemic, Master Cheng Yen urged caution: “ The novel coronavirus is spreading silently amongst us. It’s best for us to take care of our health and take the initiative to report any symptoms in order to protect ourselves as well as others from the virus. More importantly, commit to a vegetarian diet with a heart of sincere piety and cultivate respect for all sentient beings. It’s only right to defend the lives of all animals in addition to keeping ourselves safe.” Kuala Lumpur-based volunteers packing medical supplies donated by entrepreneurs for distribution. [Photograph by See Hock Beng] Staying Safe in Combating Coronavirus