My experience during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

 

COVID-19 is a disease caused by “novel corona virus”. A novel corona virus outbreak has been first documented in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Corona viruses are a large family of zoonotic viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe respiratory diseases. Scientists says, Zoonotic means these viruses are able to be transmitted from animals to humans. COVID-19 is the most recent to make the leap to human infection. It has the potential to create devastating social, economic and political crises that will leave deep scars for now and the future. Every day, people are losing their jobs and income, with no way of knowing when normality will return, people who were hospitalized are suffering without proper ventilators and oxygen. From getting out of this dark situation several countries are making various efforts to control the virus. Curfew, social distancing, self-quarantine is some of the major precautions. Let me share my experiences during this lockdown.

My experience during COVID-19 lockdown:

Social distancing is the word I hear most during these days of lockdown. I was paralyzed in my house just like the town. But now I came to know lot of things that I didn't know about me before. I have nowhere to go, at the same time no one is coming to my home as guests or visitors. Now, the calling bell has gone silent. I occasionally talk to my relatives and friends through mobile calls, WhatsApp chats, videocalls etc. Until the lockdown begins our street will be busy during the early morning with the people who come to deliver milk, newspapers, mail, couriers etc. Now the street is empty, calm, free and silent throughout the whole day. Instead of hearing the Bell and horn sounds of vehicles, now it is nice to hear the sweet singing sound of birds, it really gives a good and pleasant feel to start a new day with new hope. I have gained weight; I couldn't even recognize myself. Same time, I feeling bad for those people who sell their goods in our street who have lost their daily earnings, wages and incomes. During this curfew, I unloaded a few stored old boxes from my shelf and spent many days flipping old letters, papers, photos, albums, and school day collections. It took me back to those golden times. One of the tasty things about this is that I am overwhelmed by good memories. Most of the time I will be surrounded by friends, my desire is to be good as everyone being with me. In the present day, loneliness has become my paradise. I usually go to the nearest hair salon once every two weeks, but now it has gone for a month and a half. Since I don't go to anyone and no one comes to see me, I have not done a haircut. Looking in the mirror, I couldn't recognize myself. Now, I have realized how a saloon friend had made me look decent and handsome by cutting my hair. Being at home, I have a lot of time for the whole family to talk and discuss about the present and future. This pandemic taught me the daily routine struggle of a woman facing to prepare food, manage the family needs and take care of children. During these lockdown days, I am helping my wife in the kitchen to cook, clean vessels, and clothes, and serve. I can feel that the unity, love, and care increased in my family life, this is good sign for me that this pandemic has given. I have thought life is very short and I have no time, but now, I have realized that lot of time is there, we can spend of our time to the needy in family and even outside. At the same time, earning for life is also important. 

In personal, Corona gave me a chance to spend more time with my family and taught me several serious lessons for life. During this curfew, we are doing some useful work, cleaning the house, caring for the plants and setting up the fences in the garden. This curfew has provided a good lesson for us to take care of ourselves for the future. The curfew caused great stress, irritability and exhaustion for the children. This pandemic situation has disabled them at house, no school, no outing and playing with friends. Children who are very active by nature cannot sit in one place. How long can they watch the television and play games? So, I engaged myself with them and made it as a routine to spend time and keep playing with them. We play indoor games like carom board, Ludo, chess and some other local village games. Children will sing and dance together. Having different funs every day. Painting, newspaper cutting, collage making and colouring are the popular activities of my children at this time. I feed them food and meals by telling them a fairytale, comic, stories etc., hearing this they feel happy and their stomach gets full. Though I was in Lockdown in a locked room but my learning experience was never locked down. I used to read, blog and write short stories and articles daily. To keep me physically fit I use to walk regular on the terrace of my house in the evening, my family members will also join with me often and water the plants in the terrace. Even though Corona tied us in a single place, our house was filled with excitement and entertainment. And on the other hand, as a pastoral minister, I made myself involved in supplying rice bags, vegetables, dry food kits to the needy in this pandemic along with my church congregation.

The pandemic has exposed some very deep scars in our lives that God only can heal. During this pandemic, we have been exposed to methods of safety we have never experienced.  Physical distancing, wearing mask, and using sanitizer helps to keep us safe from COVID-19. Same time, isolating women from the support of family and friends, violence against women at home are also happening in many places. Although we are quarantined, there are doctors, police person, and many individuals still risking their lives so that we can be safe. We should thank them and pray for them. Increasing of petrol prices day by day making people into more trouble in India. In this crucial situation the leadership qualities of the leaders should be exposed. But sometimes the decision taking of the officials ruins us in danger. We need to survive now, even if there is struggle, difficulties, no income and more. It is very need for society to survive and recover from it. The government has told us to live with Corona virus. Everyone should be aware of what we need to do. Even when I am at home, I have been raising awareness to people. Let us unite together to fight against this evil corona virus. Stay indoors, be aware, be safe. God the Almighty be with us and let him help us to overcome these crucial situations. 

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