As the number of people who test positive for COVID-19 increases exponentially by the day, the faces of the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare heroes who are on the frontlines of the virus are actually starting to look eerily similar.
Once they take off their N95 masks, the same weary sadness and exhaustion can be seen in their eyes – and on their cheeks. Yet, they proudly wear the red welts, bruises and marks of the too-tight masks like badges of honor!
These 40 pictures of overworked doctors and nurses show the true face of coronavirus behind the mask, and along with their stories, it reveals itself to be totally and utterly heartbreaking.
1) An exhausted Czech doctor can’t see the finish line
This is Pavla Kovaříková face after working an extra long shift treating COVID-19 patients. She knew what she was getting into when she signed up for the difficult task, but this is still very different than anything she’s ever experienced.
“We can’t anymore. We don’t sleep, we don’t eat, I haven’t even remember. The phone is ringing practically continuously. This is a sprint and marathon in one – it’s a very intense strain, but at the same time it takes a long time and the end is not yet in sight.”
2) Humbly claims he’s not a hero after 13 hours straight in the ICU
Nicola Sgarbi is not a selfie-loving kind of guy, but he took this picture of himself after removing all his protective devices. He wanted to show everyone just how real the situation has become.
“I am not and I don’t feel like a hero. I am a normal person, who loves his job and who, now more than ever, is proud and proud to do it by giving all himself on the forefront lines together with other wonderful people (doctors, nurses, oss, technicians, cleaners).”
3) This flustered anesthesiologist is running out of personal protective equipment (PPE) at his hospital, so he DIY’d it.
Dr. John Henao has been forced to jerry rig his own protective gear due to dwindling supplies of PPE. That’s literally a regular plastic bag over his head, which he’s tightly duct-taped around his neck. This is not safe, but that thin piece of plastic is better than nothing.
In her Facebook post, Lisa Miller Delport pleaded:
“THIS is what we have to do because we have no PPE. I am horrified. I cannot even begin to know if this is safe and cannot recommend it. But, sure, we’ll be safe with bandanas, scarves, and homemade cloth masks. (That, folks, is sarcasm). For my friends who are fellow physicians, please be safe.”
4) These battle scars from the front lines of the COVID-19 war.
Despite the discomfort and the risk to loved ones, Benjamin Ong returns to the front lines of medical mayhem every single day. Scars be damned – LIVES MATTER!
“Life as a front line during this period ain’t easy, to be honest it sucks. You kiss your love ones good bye before heading to ‘war zone.'”
5) Doctors and nurses taking off their masks during a short break
Here’s a salute to all the hospital staff who dare to show us their tender side during such a trying time. It turns out they’re just like us, and need bandages to cover up their boo-boo’s, too.
6) “This is my mom. She’s my hero.”
Julia Silverback’s mother is a 60-year-old primary care doc who tests patients for COVID-19. She’s risking own own health to make sure people get the care they need.
“She is putting her health on the line to test patients, get them the care they need, and do what she can to prevent community spread and the overburdening of our hospitals.”
7) This woman after a 12-hour shift testing patients in a makeshift drive-thru.
She just finished swabbing patients who presented with symptoms of COVID-19 in a drive-thru testing site in Cleveland. The team she was working with collectively swabbed 629 people during a 12-hour shift!
8) This nurse after wearing an N95 mask all day
This nurse’s cheeks and nose are red and raw after wearing a N95 protective mask over her face all day. Even though she’s lucky to have a mask right now, she might not have one tomorrow.
“We don’t have enough of anything. Help us help you.”
9) Italian nurse after 13 hours in the ICU
They can’t hide the fear and exhaustion forever. When their mask comes off, it’s very evident that COVID-19 healthcare professionals are in a crisis!
“These are the faces of some of the Italian nurses after 13 long hours of work in ICU. Much tiredness,fear & concern in addition to the brands, injuries & heat caused by protective Equipment. Stay Strong.”
10) After a grueling shift at the hospital
Katie Vigos has been a critical care nurse for 13 years, but she’s never been as heartbroken as she is now. No one should have to stroke a dying woman’s hair while giving her morphine.
“Not only are all of us fighting to survive the contagion itself, we are fighting for protection from a government that failed to adequately prepare us for this pandemic. Everyone is scrambling. Our skills and expertise are being put to the test in every way imaginable right now. And it’s only just getting started.”
11) Yes, the situation is now as scary as this emergency nurse looks!
A nurse is supposed to be filled with kindness, compassion, and caring. But the virus has now revealed the new face of healthcare professionals, and it’s one of sadness, frustration, and anger.
12) “Some of Italian nurses & doctors after long hours of work in intensive care. You are real heroes, bless you.”
The face of a true hero isn’t always as polished and pretty as Hollywood would have us believe. But their valiant efforts to help save those affected by the virus still manage to shine through.
13) This is the new, very painful reality for Luke Theophilus and others like him.
He spends 10.5 hours surrounded by COVID patients in full PPE gear. Wearing a mask offers him critical protection against the virus, but having it strapped to his face all day is no walk in the park.
“You develop headaches from the straps, pain all over your face, all of which you can’t touch till you de-robe. I still have marks and pain this morning.”
14) “This guy is my guy and he is an emergency room doctor.”
While most of the world is shutting down and going into lockdown to get away from the virus, Dana Levenson’s husband running straight towards it. To care for his patients, he’s now being trained on how to wear a full protective suit.
“His mask will be tested. His gear will be poked and prodded with him in it. His nerves will be tested too but, he won’t fuss. People are sick and this his job.”
15) Gear marks make it look like she’s been beaten
In a way, it seems like we’ve all been beaten by this virus that just won’t stop. But nurses like this woman are fighting the good fight, and it’s clear by marks on her face that she’s not giving up!
16) She can barely keep her eyes open
Some people wear their hearts on their sleeves, but this nurse from China is wearing her heroism on her cheeks. Although the mask marks aren’t permanent, they certainly leave a lasting impression when you realize how and why they were made.
17) This 71-year-old healthcare profession is screening people all day long.
Even though she’s in the age group that is at high risk of contracting the virus, this woman is intent on making sure people stay healthy. It just goes to show you’re never too old to do what’s right.
“This is my mom. She’s 71 years old and screening people from the afternoon to midnight. Thank the people that expose themselves and go through hell just to make sure people are safe.”
18) Italian nurse is both tired and afraid
While most people in Italy are afraid to go outside to grocery shop, this nurse is afraid to go to work. But, she does it anyways because cares for her patients and is proud of her job.
“I’m afraid because the mask may not adhere well to the face, or I may have accidentally touched myself with dirty gloves, or maybe the lenses do not completely cover my eyes and something may have passed.”
19) “Dr. Joy Vink is on the frontline of NYC’s battle with COVID-19.”
Unfortunately, she hasn’t been provided with the proper PPE gear to go up against the virus. So, just like many other desperate healthcare workers, she’s been forced to get creative.
“Forget face shields – she is working in SWIM GOGGLES…our #HealthCareHeroes deserve better!”
20) A downtrodden Italian nurse
We have no idea the what this nurse has seen and done in this new covid world of ours. But, it’s apparent from her expression that that returning to a state of joy will be a long time coming.
21) “Here’s mine from yesterday after only 4 hours.”
Four hours is all it took for Liz Staveacre’s badge of honor to appear on her face. This RN deserves all the kudos for doing such selfless work!
22) After 9 hours in PPE moving patients around London
This is the face of Natalie Silvey, who just spent the whole day moving critically ill COVID-19 patients around London. She feels broken, and is begging people to stay home to save lives!
“I feel broken – and we are only at the start. I am begging people, please please do social distancing and self isolation #covid19”
23) Nurse is afraid of what will happen when the resources run out.
Megan Patterson isn’t afraid of going to work. She’s afraid of what will happen when the hospital starts to run short of supplies and staff.
“Stay home, wash your hands and stop buying all the things that healthcare workers need to do their job. When we don’t have what we need to take care of you, we too will become ill… then who’s left to take care of you and your loved ones?”
24) This nurse has to call patients with the results.
Georgina Statuto has one of the most unenviable jobs in the world. Not only does she have to test patients for COVID-19, she also has to ring them back with the results. For all the good news that she shares, she also has to dole out the bad.
“This is the look after a conversation w a husband of a client who didn’t believe I don’t have results yet after 5 days because the TV told him u can get them back in 45mins now… why would I hold results of life and death back????”
Franziska Nordmann is an intensive care nurse, who like many others on this list, is sporting N95 mask marks like a badge of honor. Although the grooves in her face are temporary, her acts of heroism are not.
26) A psychologically exhausted #covidnurse
Nurses like Marija Zivic have to work under such difficult, life-threatening conditions. Although the face of a #covidnurse after a long shift isn’t always pretty, it’s amazing they don’t look worse for wear considering what they actually go through.
27) Critical care nurse on her lunch break during late night shift
Thankfully some of our healthcare workers are still getting a lunch break. Emma Sterba says that even after wearing a face mask and all the gear that goes with it, she wouldn’t be doing anything else!
28) “Under the suits, masks and visors we are the ones who laugh, cry, hope and cheer on our patients.”
When people ask Italian nurse Cristina Barbieri where she finds the strength to go into work, she points to the hint of a smile on her face to explain it all.
“Despite everything I had been able to console and comfort a patient, a widow for two days, to talk and laugh with two grandmothers about their grandchildren and what they can’t wait to embrace them again and prepare them a nice substantial snack, super grandmothers!”
29) This nurse goes to work because it’s right and just.
Martina Benedetti keeps going to work because she feels a moral obligation to do so. It’s especially imperative because the overwhelmed Italian healthcare system can’t fix anything right now.
30) Of course she’s afraid, but she tries to smile through it all.
This nurse admits to wanting a career change before all of this started, but she’s glad to be back with her healthcare crew during this crisis. In the meantime, they’re all waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. Until that happens, they’re lucky enough to have each other to lean on.
31) This UK nurse couldn’t have said it better.
It’s not just patients in hospitals who are now facing life and death. Healthcare workers must walk that fine line every time they show up to work, but we can do our part to show appreciation, too.
“We stay at work for you, you stay at home for us.”
32) Nurse from Portugal with mask mark tears running down her face
This Portuguese nurse is at the front lines of the coronavirus. She says that even though the mask may hurt, it allows them to breathe.
33) “Diaries from the field on Instagram”
Nurse @jasonwasfy says that his hospital has implemented a policy where masks are to be worn at all times. While it seems okay to do so at his local level, until the factories start making more, there just aren’t enough masks to make this safety policy national.
34) Care worker in France says all the resuscitation beds are filled.
@parisienne_84 from the Paris works in a private clinic that specializes in cardiac surgery. They “currently have 26 places for resuscitation … all are full.” Is it any wonder why people are dying?
35) “We need better and more PPE to protect ourselves and save our patients’ lives.”
As if this writing, the US now has more COVID-19 cases than China and Italy, with New York being the hotbed of the virus. @Ceelu shares:
“ER nurses in NYC are critically low on PPE while fighting coronavirus. We have to re-wear goggles everyday and we’re running low on respirators that must be worn the entire shift.”
36) “This virus knows no borders and neither do our heroes.”
This unknown nurse from Iran is fighting the virus with minimal supplies and resources. He’s facing COVID-19 without a proper protection, just healthcare workers in the rest of the world.
37) It’s gotten so bad, doctors and nurses are stealing masks from each other!
@gummy_d and his wife are both frontline ER physicians. But with a shortage of N95 masks, they have to share 1 between them.
“We even had to write our names on our one precious mask because now even nurses and doctors are stealing masks from each other!”
38) “#stayhome so they can come home”
There are over 40,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Germany, but they have one of the lowest mortality rates in the world. Nurse @hildegardvonsieker from Germany says nurses are “stressing themselves beyond the brink” as they try to maintain that uber low mortality rate.
“But the new cases continue to stream in at an alarming rate of 3,000 per day. We cannot continue to keep this pace while asking our nurses to risk their lives with little to no PPE.”
Nurse Denise Beady was wondering if everyone else’s face was as bright red as hers after taking off their N95 mask. Now she knows that, yeah, it’s totally a thing!
40) “Here’s a massive thank you to the ICU nurses, intensivists, and RTs who are wearing this PPE for an upwards of 30-40 minutes.”
Barbara, who is an RN, is giving high-fives to all the healthcare workers out there who endure the pain of wearing N95. As she explains, wearing PPE is not easy.
“Not only are you left with these temporary marks, but you quickly experience difficulty breathing after the first few minutes of applying the mask. You also start to heat up from the layers of gown, gloves, and eye shield.”
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
As the number of people who test positive for COVID-19 increases exponentially by the day, the faces of the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare heroes who are on the frontlines of the virus are actually starting to look eerily similar.
Once they take off their N95 masks, the same weary sadness and exhaustion can be seen in their eyes – and on their cheeks. Yet, they proudly wear the red welts, bruises and marks of the too-tight masks like badges of honor!
These 40 pictures of overworked doctors and nurses show the true face of coronavirus behind the mask, and along with their stories, it reveals itself to be totally and utterly heartbreaking.
