MY LOCKDOWN JOURNAL - DAY 8

My Lockdown Journal 2020 – Friday, Day 8:

Today is #Day8OfLockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing havoc across the world. While there is never a good time for a crisis, the timing couldn’t have been worse for South Africans. History tells us that in a time of crisis, the first casualty is inaccurate information. I've seen how fake news and paranoia could spread faster than COVID-19 in communities. My plea is to double-check sources before sharing messages with inaccurate facts that could further increase fear.

Here are two accurate facts: (1) There are now more than 1 million cases of coronavirus globally, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally. (2) The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists announced a potential vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s hold thumbs and keep praying.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the timing of the pandemic couldn’t have come at a time when our nation is facing incredible challenges with unemployment, poverty and crime. I was afraid that the spike in abuse against women during lockdowns in Spain, Italy, China, Germany, Brazil and Greece, would eventually rear its ugly head here. Women in such situations should be allowed to leave their homes and seek help without fear of being arrested. I am sure that we all know someone trapped in such a situation. We have a civic duty to do our part, even if it is to send a "hello, thinking of you" message. The smallest of gestures can help someone in their darkest moment.

There is no shortage of fun and inspiration on the internet. In the USA, celebrities are lending their voices to bedtime stories aimed at lifting the kids’ and parents’ spirits amid the uncertainties caused by COVID-19. Locally a radio presenter and speaker, Liezel van der Westhuizen / @liezelonline invites followers on Instagram to join her live in the mornings for some ‘lockdown’ exercises. Another Instagrammer, Jade Voges / @jade.voges an actress, writer and model from Josi, does live Bible study sessions and even let viewers into her kitchen as she prepares her meal. A young man, Dylan Schovell from Port Elizabeth, offers free online classes for school children.

The proverbial saying "Every cloud has a silver lining" could be applied to the lockdown period as well. On the entertainment front families are posting the most creative and hilarious videos from their living rooms, kitchens and yards. These activities are the memories being made for future throwbacks. Social media platforms will undoubtedly ensure that it pops up on our timelines.

I am extremely grateful for the important work that nurses, doctors, teachers, shop assistants, petrol attendants, refuse collectors, parents, and all others are doing at this time. Let’s smile when we see them saving lives or just making our "locked-down" lives easier.

#LockdownJournal

#COVID19SouthAfrica

#21DayLockdownSA