It started out as something so far away. For once it didn't choose to make Africa or another third world country its place of origin. Maybe it wanted to be a bit different-unique even. Maybe this should have been our first sign that this was unlike anything we had ever faced before. At the start of it all, however, we would get news of it every now and then. We didn't have a minute to spare so we would hurriedly get back to our lives placing it far from our minds. Besides, 2020 had already proven itself to be a somewhat nerve-racking year. In January we were facing the start of World War Three with President Donald Trump losing his temper, as only he can, and making rash, egotistic-driven decisions. Once everyone finally came to their senses, February brought along fire, and lots of it as Australia faced it's worst burning season to date heightened by climate change. The whole world stopped and stared as millions of animals died horrible deaths and thousands of people's lives were destroyed. On a personal note, I had graduated law school in December 2019 and was starting my first job in January 2020 as an article clerk and trying to figure out how to do this adulting thing. Therefore we were all a tad bit distracted, but come beginning of March and its name was finally on everyone's lips: Covid 19.
It had ravaged a country which thus far had seemed almost indestructible. China has been perceived by most as the forerunner of the future, with outstanding technological advancement and an ever-expanding economy. It has proven time and time again throughout history that it has a tenacious and disciplined nation. Therefore, when Covid 19 had China, a global force, on its knees, we all started feeling anxious. The world watched with bated breath as every industry within China was shut down and their people went into lockdown. Despite numerous steps being taken to prevent spreading, spread it did. We knew that it was only a matter of time before it reached South Africa. With trepidation we watched the news- suddenly we all had a minute to spare- knowing well that with our limited resources, government's questionable abilities, battered economy and a large group of people living in informal settlements, the virus would wreak havoc on our beloved country. 5 March 2020 we got out first confirmed Corona case and by 27 March 2020 we were on full lockdown.
The days leading up to the lockdown felt like a bad dream from which you could not escape. For some, this brought out the worst in them. Panic-buying was rampant leaving many without necessary goods. Suddenly toilet paper and hand wash/sanitizer became so highly valued that videos spread over social media of people fighting in stores just to get their hands on it. We all had to try and figure out what we could need and who we needed to see before the lockdown came into force. For many South Africans who had lived through the ending of Apartheid, this was like deja vu- a nation crippled by fear and uncertainty, stocking up on cans of beans and mielies. Everyone was confused about what the regulations would be. Could we still walk our dogs? What about parents with joint custody? Would alcohol and cigarettes really no longer be sold during the lockdown period (this one hit home hard for South Africans). We suddenly had to come to grips with the economic implications of it all as well as all events that would be affected- my official graduation was postponed and I had to have a virtual graduation; we could no longer see family members on their birthdays and Easter would be a much quieter affair. No more mothers' hugs and no more seeing friends. The numerous pictures of the military mobilising in full force did not help anyone's anxiety. Fears of looming police and military brutality took over. Within a scope of four days we all had to come to grips with our freedom being stripped away, for the greater good. Apparently, it would take our brains three days to realign should the world turn upside down, all that I can say is that four days certainly did not feel long enough to mentally and emotionally prepare for a worldwide lockdown.
Today (13 April 2020), according to News24, South Africa has 2 173 confirmed cases and 25 deaths. Worldwide there are 1 863 406 confirmed cases with 115 225 deaths and counting in 185 countries. Thankfully our government has surpassed all our hopes and acted with speed and wisdom. Therefore like most of the world, we are still on lockdown and so in order to save our world we are forced to rage war, not by taking up arms, but by staying home. Simply do nothing. I am one of the lucky ones: my work can continue off-site, I am still receiving my normal salary, being home means spending time with my loving boyfriend and adorable two puppies, in a quaint townhouse that I love with a big garden. The only truly harsh effects that I am feeling are: not being able to be with my family (a virtual hug just does not do the trick); I have people close around me whose businesses may face a crisis; not going to church and without gym, my mind can be difficult to clear. But for some, this is not case. For some, home is not a safe space. For some, this time truly is a Steven Spielberg nightmare. Gender-based violence reports have escalated. People are stuck in an environment where they are not accepted due to their sexuality, gender, race, or simply because of who they truly are. People are stuck in a shack with seven other family members, no flowing water and a toilet far away which they share with thirty other people. Unemployment has increased. Most people have to deal with the ever-present crushing financial stress as we see the economy plummet before our eyes, incapable of doing anything about it. We are all trying to keep our heads above the water whilst facing immense anxiety and uncertainty. Those with mental health issues are feeling this even more keenly and some may feel like they are losing the battle. Many people are facing absolute loneliness. We are all grieving for those who are sick or have passed away and their families. We are all thankful to and worried about those people who are continuing to work, especially those in the medical field, and risking their lives. There are also more everyday problems: trying to keep your kids busy; being chased out of your at-home office during an important conference call because your kids want to watch Peppa Pig; not having a domestic worker and having to clean your own home; trying not to continuously eat everything in your fridge and trying to stay healthy with the gyms being closed. Suddenly we are all without fast-pacing convenience- no restaurants, no takeaways, no online shopping, no freedom of movement. We are all facing battles, some big and some small.
This virus, which started in a wildlife market in Wuhan, has brought the world to an almost surreal halt. The world has been immersed in silence. But maybe silence is exactly what the world needs in order to hear the whisper of God telling us: be still, take a break, see what is truly important in life. We have been rushing constantly through life, barely being able to take a breath, taking so many things for granted. Most of us have been so swept up in day to day life that we truly did forget to appreciate the people around us, nevermind to stop and smell the roses. Now, we are forced to realise the importance of the human touch; the sanctuary that nature can be for us, the importance of technology, but also the limits thereof; how fragile life is and that the earth clearly does not need us. The earth has been thriving without us and maybe it's no mistake that this virus started in a wildlife market. Maybe this is our wake up call that enough is enough. We cannot carry on with our fast-paced lives, and ignore the consequences that we are leaving in our wake. Since we have been shut up, animals have been able to roam more freely and pollution has decreased exponentially. This planet and our sanctity do not need us to be prisoners of our own homes, but it does need us to get a massive wake up call, hopefully, Corona can be that wake-up call. Yes, we have also seen the bad in human nature with people looting schools and stores; littering streets with used masks and gloves and selfishly refusing to adhere to regulations because it may inconvenience them. There is, unfortunately, no cure for stupidity yet, but may we can all come out of this crisis a bit wiser.
Everyone in lockdown has gone back to the basics- spending time with loved ones, cooking dinner together, playing board games, building puzzles, learning new skills, reading, watching series and in a way that only South Africans can, getting through a tough time by means of humour. For myself, despite my still hectic work schedule, this time has made me come to realise how much I am to be thankful for as well as realise how much joy writing brings me (hence the start of this blog). This is truly a scary time for us all and should we continuously monitor the news, we would go half-mad. We have seen politicians (the hardest of the human race) beg for mercy with tears in their eyes, we have seen what it is like in ICU for Corona victims, we have seen all that medical practitioners must sacrifice. May we, therefore, remember the wise words of Albus Dumbledore, "happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." We all have enough food supplies, we are all much cleaner than we have ever been before and hopefully we have all gained some perspective. We are living through an exceptional time in history- the time when the earth stood still- and I am sure that something good can be made out of so much tragedy, fear and death. The whole world has been forced to stop and smell the roses and oh my, we really do have some beautifully scented roses!
It is clear that April 2020 has been filled with lessons screaming to be heard and learnt from. Whether we, as a human race, will listen, only time will tell. But I'm holding out hope that we will. Besides, what are we without hope?
Please stay safe out there.