Today is the beginning of the second lockdown this country has undertaken since the emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on these shores in March 2020.
By now, nearly 12 months later, one would presume that the changes to social behaviours – wearing masks, keeping at least three feet away from others not of your household, and frequently sanitising and washing hands – would have become commonplace. Unfortunately this is not the case. There were those who dismissed the urgent messages by the COVID Unit, medical personnel and government ministers and continued to carry on as normal, while others acknowledged the critical nature of the pandemic, yet gave less than 100 % in adhering to the protocols. Both members of the aforementioned groups are part of the problem when it comes to reducing the numbers of people contracting COVID-19.
Thankfully, individuals in the first set, as of today, will be required by the new COVID-19 directives to wear a mask in public at all times, unless specifically required not to do so for medical (including psychological) reasons. This, along with the previous requirements by all businesses and shops to wear masks and sanitise hands prior to entry should make a big difference in reducing the spread of the virus. In addition, the lockdown of the majority of businesses and call for the public to “stay home” unless absolutely necessary, should go further in this effort.
On a whole though, every individual needs to wake up to the seriousness of COVID-19. As Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley pointed out in her address to the nation last week, it is understandable that after a lifetime of one type of behaviour it will be difficult not to forget sometimes and lapse with regard to protocols. However, it is at this very point of realisation that we must all reboot ourselves and double down on following the advice of our healthcare professionals.
One thing to be done is putting steps in place to make sure that you are always practising safe measures; for instance, keep extra masks and hand sanitisers in your vehicle or in all of your bags, so you are never without one; wear sunglasses or plain lens glasses if you have a habit of rubbing your eyes, this might slow down the action enough that you recall your no-hands rule, or use a fidget spinner; and finally, run errands alone and shop with a list, which should encourage you to stay focused and not entertain interruptions from acquaintances.
Last, but certainly not least, is a need for everyone to disassociate themselves from the Bajan idea that certain actions “look bad”. By this I refer to the long-held belief indoctrinated into many of us from young, that certain behaviours show poor etiquette, are disrespectful or will appear unfriendly; for instance, putting on a mask to approach family or friends, sanitising your hands immediately before or after an encounter with family or friends, or refusing entry to or invitations from family or friends. In all of these the common denominator is family and friends, as few people care what strangers think, but instead of thinking of your family and friends’ feelings and how you think they are interpreting your actions, think of how you would feel if you unknowingly infected them! Surely they would not care about hurt feelings then.
In the final analysis, all Barbadians and visitors to this country are encouraged to get serious and reprogramme their mindsets. It will mean the difference between life and death.