There can be a desperate urge to return to normal life – but it is important to remember that a normal life and world is not on the horizon at the moment. A phased approach of lifting lockdown has begun today with salons, small industries, markets and retail shops being open for business again.
You must have count down the days until you can hug your family, friends, throw an iftaar party, go out dining or shopping or just hang out with your friends, just remember that even as some restrictions loosen, that there’s still much we don’t know about the long-term behavior of this particular Coronavirus strain.
If we do not practice social distancing, avoid unnecessary meetings and going out for anything other than absolute essentials, the situation could worsen and force the government to enforce lockdown again – meaning, another 50 or so days AGAIN in lockdown. Here’s a list of things you need to know:
1.Do NOT toss out those face masks:
Now is the time for more precaution as compared to before. That means social distancing, and both employees and customers wearing face masks or other face coverings. There may be a lot of other rules too as the situation develops.
Expect more sanitation stations with hand sanitizer and gloves, and a less personal experience wherever you go, like being checked for temperate before you are allowed and counters with plexiglass dividers between. Expect that some shopping and socializing experiences won’t go back to normal for some time.
2.Do NOT host a gathering or attend one:
Please remember that this virus is highly contagious. Social gatherings, coming together, catching up is always a chance that an asymptomatic person can spread the virus unknowingly … But for all of you that are out there that would like to join together and just have that dinner party for 20 — DO NOT DO IT YET.”
3.Do NOT stop washing your hands:
Our biggest defense against the virus is our soap and hand sanitizers. Remember that the goal of stay at home orders and thorough handwashing is to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed with patients in critical condition and minimize your risk for acquiring life-threatening symptoms.
Hopefully, the good hand-washing habits you’ve acquired during this time will stick around, including longer, more thorough washing with hand soap, and more frequently after coming into contact with people and common surfaces.
4.Do NOT go out unnecessarily:
Unless you’re the bread winner of the family and have to go out to work, do NOT go out unnecessarily. If something is not essential – DO NOT DO IT. Doctors and health workers are putting their lives in danger every day to save those fighting for their lives. Stay home for them!
5.Do NOT get too comfortable:
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we have no idea how the virus is going to react and spread going further. So we can’t say for certain what will happen next. The smart thing to do is remain cautiously optimistic about regaining your freedom to move, but remain realistic that we don’t know what the future holds.
Please remember that the easing or lifting of lockdown does NOT mean that the fight against the virus is over. It is highly contagious and it IS continuing to spread. Please stay at home and be careful for those whose immunity might not be as good as yours. Stay home and stay safe for your loved ones.