By Ryland Fisher
If the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown guidelines have actually taught us anything, it is that often the relatively little things in life matter as much as, if not more than, what is considered huge.
We have all needed to revise our views of people who were considered unskilled workers, such as cleaners, dirt collectors and supermarket employees. We have had to realise that we have not shown sufficient appreciation to the people whose task it is to look after us and heal us when we are ill.
We have actually had to think about how we deal with the most susceptible in our society, including the homeless and people who are forced to reside in shacks. As our economy resumes while we are yet to reach the peak of the pandemic, our hearts likewise head out to those who are forced to return to work – not due to the fact that they are heroes, however since they have no choice but to risk their lives in order to earn enough cash to feed their households.
We fear for the thousands, of people who are being packed into taxis to get to and from their offices, knowing that they are at threat but being entrusted to no option.
We fear for our kids and instructors who are being forced to go back to overcrowded schools without correct assurances that they will be safe.
A couple of little things I observed on a required shopping journey kept me believing this week.
2 children were standing in the entrance of another store, eating ice cream, with their masks around their chins.
Outdoors another shop, a few workers were taking pleasure in a smoke break – yes, individuals are still smoking regardless of the federal government restriction – with no masks (obviously) and no social distancing.
I am discussing these little incidents because they are a sign of a higher problem, a lack of understanding about how we need to deal with the pandemic and our own function in it, which might suggest the pandemic will get much even worse before it gets better.
There are lots of people who feel they will not get the infection or they can not spread it, for whatever reason.
There are others who just don’t care and have actually had enough of being bothered.
We can not march at the moment, however we can continue to put pressure on government and everybody in society to do their best to contain the virus.
Federal government seems to have actually painted themselves into a corner with the level-based lockdown technique to handling the infection. It needs to never ever have been about what you can or can not buy under which levels and which companies are allowed to run.
It ought to have had to do with producing an awareness in society and getting the buy-in of the masses. All our energy must be aimed at ensuring that everyone does the little things right: such as staying at home (as much as you can), social distancing, washing hands, sanitising and doing everything in our power to stop the spread.
Fisher is an independent media professional. Follow him on Twitter @rylandfisher
The views revealed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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If you think you have been exposed to the Covid-19 infection, please call the 24- hour hotline on 0800 029999 or see sacoronavirus.co.za
Weekend Argus
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