Many are calling for a lockdown in Guyana due to COVID-19. Since the outbreak, there are sections of our society that seem not to be taking the threat seriously. Though social distancing is encouraged, many are failing to adhere by gathering in groups and act like it is business as usual. Some believe that they are not at risk, some people’s survival depends on continuing life as normal and some are relying on their faith. There are religious institutions that have kept their doors open for example. Nevertheless, though we still have only a few confirmed cases the fact that others may be infected and asymptomatic is quite possible.
Examples of some places that have implemented lockdowns are the United States, United Kingdom and India. But what does a lockdown mean? It means that people are encouraged to stay in their homes except to shop for basic necessities, for medical, exercise and work. Businesses with nonessential items are closed. People are discouraged from gathering in groups and if one is caught outdoors for any other reasons than those aforementioned, one will be fined.
Some Guyanese have already chosen to isolate themselves. For the last couple of weeks, I have only left my apartment to buy groceries or other essentials. I am, however, fortunate that working from home is my norm and being indoors most of the time is not as frustrating for me as it might be for others. Because I am an introvert, I do value my time away from people. Still the temporary isolation and not engaging in some regular activities that adds to my overall wellbeing are certainly starting to have its effects even on me.
For those who live alone, the yearning for human contact that goes unfulfilled can begin to affect one’s mental health. I make it my duty these days to feel the sun on my skin in the morning by stepping into the yard for a few minutes. It is rejuvenating. Conversations with loved ones on the phone are reassuring that we are all well and doing everything in our power to remain uninfected. Reading, working on creative projects and meditating are some of the highlights of this time. Therefore, for me, it has been great for productivity and growth.
Being isolated is also great for introspection. We are often afraid to admit our flaws or to accept our reality because it may be too painful and we may believe that we are not strong enough to cope. We are often afraid to admit that we have allowed selfishness, arrogance and pride to control us. We are often in denial about how we may have hurt others and sometimes we allow that pride to hinder us from making amends. But the silence can force us to confront our imperfections and open ourselves to judgment. We can view not only our physical reflection, but our spirit reflection also, and begin breaking down the barriers that have prevented us from striving to become the best versions of ourselves. Whether we need to shed tears or are strong enough to simply admit and pledge to do better, isolation can be a positive in our lives. It is a great time for spiritual realignment regardless of one’s religious beliefs or lack thereof. The core of spirituality has to do with one’s growth as an individual, gaining knowledge of self, meditating on the knowledge one would have gained in understanding the meaning of life and connecting to that inner power that is in all of us. When we become so enlightened that we no longer fear death, we have become one with the universe. But how many do not fear death, especially in this time of COVID-19? Though some have chosen to act recklessly they really do not wish to face death now.
Still we realize that if life were to continue in isolation indefinitely, our mental health is at risk and it will not be good for the holistic health of the society. Our thoughts can make or break us. There are those among the living who envy the dead because life is fraught with too much suffering. Throughout all the other pandemics that the world has experienced during my lifetime, I cannot ever recall thinking that life as we know it may completely change. I have spent time listening to different theories about COVID-19, perusing facts and assessing the risks while calmly observing the panic. There are those who believe the virus emerged from wet markets in Wuhan, China, where live and dead animals are in close contact with humans. There are those who believed it is as a result of consuming meat products, such as bats. There are those who believe that it is a biological weapon that was created in a lab. There are those who believe that the virus is not real, and some have even made allegations that famous people who have announced that they tested positive are all a part of the conspiracy.
As mentioned in previous articles, I like to listen to and read about various conspiracy theories – whether it’s all the imagination of people trying to make sense of the madness or if there is a smidgen of truth, as a creative, beautiful ideas emerge from diverse views.
Still we cannot dismiss the personal experiences of people battling COVID-19. The relatives of those who have died worldwide must be allowed to mourn without the doubts of the naysayers hanging over them. The healthcare workers who are risking their own lives daily to save lives and appealing for us to be safe by maintaining social distancing, the various theories do not negate their experiences.
It is horrifying for many to think that death may be lingering in the air and all are at risk. Denial, however, can lead to destruction. We are too small a population to risk devastation like we have seen in China, Italy, Spain and even the United States.
However, if a lockdown is implemented here, measures will have to be put in place to make sure that all our citizens are okay. Loss of income threatens the stability of many families during this time. Children are home from school and many parents must work and cannot afford babysitters. With many if not most Guyanese living from paycheck to paycheck, with no savings in the bank, their worry about COVID-19 is exacerbated by their economic reality.
Combatting this virus and ensuring that we have as few infections as possible and even fewer, or no more fatalities is the responsibility of us all. Though isolation may frustrate some of us, though a lockdown may annoy us and though those in quarantine because of exposure might be displeased, it is such measures that may save us.
