The Quarantine Guide: Surviving the COVID-19 Lockdown
Manali Oak
At first you are shocked, then panic strikes. And slowly you come to accept and adapt.
What is a Lockdown?
It is an emergency protocol that prevents people from leaving an area. A lockdown means individuals are disallowed from leaving a facility or building to protect themselves from external threat.
The Coronivirus lockdown limits the movement of people allowing only organizations giving essential services to operate normally.
Lockdowns in History
A 3-day lockdown of American civilian airspace after the attacks on September 11, 2001
A lockdown of the Sutherland Shire and other beach areas of New South Wales, imposed by New South Wales (NSW) Police Force, in the wake of race rioting in December 2005.
Boston was locked down on April 19, 2013 to search for the terrorists who were suspects of the Boston marathon bombing.
In 2015, Brussels was locked down for many days while security services were searching for suspects of Novemeber 2015 Paris attacks.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic of 2019-20, lockdowns have been implemented in China, Italy, South Africa, New Zealand, India, France, UK, Kuwait, Norway, Denmark, and New Zealand.
That's BIG!
The Coronavirus pandemic has led to the world's biggest lockdown, affecting around 1.7 billion people which is nearly 20% of the world's population!
In Ireland, non-essential services have been closed and sports events have been canceled. Malaysian government also announced the closing down of non-essential businesses. Germany announced the closing down of shops, churches, sports facilities and restaurants.
Poland has disallowed foreigners from entering their country and ordered that natives returning would go into a 30-day quarantine.
Spain has imposed a nationwide quarantine.
In Kenya, schools and restaurants have been closed and foreigners have been disallowed into the country. International flights to and from Morocco have been stopped and schools, mosques, and restaurants have been closed.
In the Czech Republic, shops and restaurants have been closed and foreign travel has been stopped.
The Impact
Yes, lockdowns have a huge impact on the economy of a nation. And a psychological impact on people.
Shops giving non-essential goods and services shuttered, means their business is affected. Travel bans mean a severe impact on the tourism industry which includes courier, ticket booking, and hotel industries as well.
Lockdowns take a toll on public and private transport facilities within cities. Industries such as manufacturing and entertainment where people cannot work remotely, are hugely impacted.
Some business owners may have to give wages to employees in-spite of their absence or lower productivity, which burdens the businesses.
No movement and less or no work leads to boredom and iritability. A sudden span of inactivity is not easy to handle and leads to people feeling less efficient.
What You Should Know
Lockdowns mean that you should stay where you are.
Essential supplies that include grocery and medicines are served. Non-essential services are closed.
Going to the doctor for medical services is allowed. If you are working for an essential service, you can go to work.
Public transport is suspended, public places are closed, travel restrictions are imposed.
Employees in non-essential services are allowed to work from their place.
If you break the rules, the punishment can include a fine or imprisonment.
You should consume grocery and food with the thought of saving for the future. You should not hoard supplies as this could lead to their shortage.
Everyone should act with a sense of social responsibility.
Feel Good That
Lockdown is not as worse as confinement or being holed up in an unknown place due to a calamity. You are still at your place, equipped with essential supplies. You have water, food, electricity and shelter.
You are not allowed to go out, but you are not exactly isolated. You can talk to your near ones, interact with work colleagues and entertain yourselves. You have people to help and there is medical support.
Due to closing of industries and limited movement, there is less pollution. Due to reduced vehicle and industrial emissions the air is cleaner. With no noise around, you can hear the rustling of leaves and the singing of birds. And with reduced activity, you have the time to notice little things you never paid heed to.
This Can Help
In a lockdown, you cannot step out unless necessary. So life isn't easy, but little things can help you adapt to the new lifestyle.
Not going out does not mean you have to sit rumpled or unbathed. Freshen yourself up, wear good clothes. Dress up like you would, if you were to go out (why not?). Style your hair, wear makeup and jewelry if you like. Look put-together so that you feel good about yourself. Your appearance helps you and those around you, feel positive.
Make time for activities like cleaning, washing and ironing clothes, or clearing the clutter. Help with household chores. Great if you are working from your place. This way you are saving your commute time. So utilize it for your hobbies, exercise and rest.
Know this phase is temporary. The better you abide by the rules, the sooner things will change for the better.
Maintain good sleep, have a positive attitude. Know that the lockdown won't last forever.