After 90 days of daily Lockdown reflections, I am shifting gear to twice weekly reflections.
In South Africa, like many countries around the world, most economic Lockdown restrictions have now been lifted. There are still restrictions on private gatherings (no visiting in each other’s houses) and on travel (no international travel, limited local travel), and the requirements are still to limit geographic footprint and contact with other people. But other than that, the economy is open.
Companies, organisations and institutions will now ease in and out of their own lockdowns. My favourite pizza shop opened a few weeks ago, and then had to close last week due to a Covid outbreak. They’re gone again for 2 weeks. This will happen to hairdressers, companies, schools and shops regularly over the next 12-18 months.
We need to stop focusing only on deaths as a measurement of the severity of this disease. Amazingly, the medical system is working out how to reduce mortality rates. But around 20% of people who are infected will experience moderate to severe symptoms. This will take them out of commission for 2-3 months, and is likely to have long term, lifelong health implications.
We are nowhere near the end of dealing with Covid. We don’t need to fear it, but we do need to respect it.
Stay safe. Stay sane.