In Mexico, sending messages to their loved ones through pen and paper serves as the lifeline of COVID-19 patients amid the pain and suffering caused by the deadly virus.

According to a recent article, their messages ranging from the practical to the sentimental, are transcribed by doctors and nurses on a piece of paper and then taped to windows of the hospital's first floor.

After this, social workers take photos of the messages and share them with the patients' families, many of whom wait outside the hospital each day, hoping for information on their day-to-day progress and recovery or the possibility of a visit. 

READ: Number of Coronavirus Outbreaks in Mexican Facilities Is Alarming

Maribel, one of the patients, reminded her relatives to feed the dog, pay credit card and utility bills, and put gas in the car. Through the note, she also told her family she loves them and regrets not being able to bid them goodbye because everything happened so fast. 

Another patient, Francisco López, was admitted to the hospital ten days ago with atypical pneumonia. What his son, Jorge, does not know is he has been diagnosed with the coronavirus, but through messages, he told his family he is stable.

"I only know that he is alive because of the message the nurse gave me," Jorge said.

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In his message, Francisco tells his children he loves them, and not to worry because he has "been through worse."

"We answered the message, on a little paper note that goes inside a plastic bag," Jorge said. "We told him that we are here that we miss him. We also sent him a bottle of water."

The written messages also serve as María Garcia's daily communication with her husband, Julián, who is diagnosed with COVID-19. She also sends him care packages containing soap, towels, sandals, and shampoo included with notes telling him she loves him and that he will be able to come home soon. 

READ MORE: As COVID-19 Cases Rise in Mexico, so Does Criminality

But still, she is anxious and yearns to see him, going to the hospital every afternoon with hopes that one of the police officers guarding the door will let her in. It hasn't happened. "They don't want us to risk getting sick, too," she concedes. 

Currently, Mexico is in phase three of the pandemic, with 9,501 cases of COVID-19 infections with 857 deaths and 2,627 recoveries.

Coping with stress

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people, especially those whose loved ones are infected with the virus. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions for both adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, your loved ones, and your community stronger.

Know the facts to help reduce stress

According to the CDC, Having information remains to be one of the best ways to avoid overthinking and getting stressed. Sharing accurate information about COVID-19 to your loved ones can help make them feel less stressed as well as make a connection with them.