A personal Narration on the lockdown situation

Go Corona Go! By the time most of us would have seen or heard about this meme it would have been too late. The below story is a recap of how it all began in our neighborhood and the many changes it brought along in our lives.  

The Beginning: No one is Safe!

That day Bangalore had a slight chill of the receding winter and most of the families were preparing for their summer break. The children were busy with their exams with few of them even preparing for their boards. The news was gaining momentum about an unusual virus in China affecting our respiratory system. Who would have thought in their worst nightmare, that the effect of the virus so far-far away will be felt by each one of us. 

Lockdown pic with mask

The media was quick to inform all of us about the deadly virus and the unique way the infection spreads. Suddenly there was a paradigm shift in the lifestyle of many of us with regards to hand hygiene and social distancing. The use of mask and  hand-sanitizer became part of our life. Slowly rumors started to emerge that government might enforce curfew in many places and food supply can take a hit in the coming days. This information began spreading like wildfire through WhatsApp and other social media apps and before some of us could even digest the news, there emerged a state of panic buying among us. People in India were running around to stack food items, whereas on the other-side of the world we saw people on a mad rush for tissue paper as their priorities were different.

The Lockdown Starts: 24th March 2020

As days went by, the virus continued to spread its grip strongly across the world. Europe, especially Italy was directly impacted as they had very close collaborations with China. Also, the Covid-19 cases were increasing in numbers in countries like USA, Canada, Australia and definitely here in India. The government took charge of the situation to curb the free run of the pandemic in the country. The Prime Minister in his address to the nation suggested all of us to stay inside our house. Only people employed in essential services and medical facilities were allowed to move outside. There was also assurance from the govt that there will be no interruption in the supply of any essential items. With all the support and assurance from the government India went into a 21 day complete lockdown from 24th March 2020. The lockdown also had restrictions on flight travel both domestic and international. 

With days into the lockdown, the once deserted streets and roads became active with guardians in khaki. Samaritans on two-wheeler who tirelessly made sure the essentials were delivered to the comfort of our homes. Volunteers who made items like masks, meals, sanitizers and distributed among the needy. Animal lovers who fed the stray animals like their own pets. Finally our angels from the medical industry, many of whom chose to be with their patients rather than their loved ones was the highest level of support humanity has ever seen.

The above being said, the lockdown also had its share of negativity. We witnessed people violate the rules to wander outside. The exodus of migrant workers in many part of India was a sad sight. The closure of state borders even for the transit of essential goods was not highly appreciated. The news of a person from north eastern part of India being spat at was highly depressing. Worried on a news that the virus spreads though our pets, saw many pet owners abandoning their pets on the street. Many places in India objecting the stay of medical staff in there colony or complexes was not acceptable. Finally the government had to intervene to stabilize the situation. 

The Government ways to Unite and Thank 

India being a land of rich culture, even our government brought out innovative ways to unite and thank people. 

• First we decided to thank all the people working tirelessly to serve the nation during the lockdown. So on 22nd March 2020 at 5 P.M we stood outside on our balcony and clapped, whistled and even banged pots & pans for 5 mins to express our gratitude. as requested by our Prime Minister covered by India Today page

• Second, on 5th April 2020 we decided to show our unity by lighting a lamp for 9 mins from 9 P.M. The message from our Prime Minister on this activity was 

"we must move towards the light. We must take the ones who are affected the most -- the ones with less resources -- towards hope. We must move past the darkness and uncertainty that has been created and go towards the light. We must spread the light everywhere." quoted by Business Today

Today with all of us having successfully completed 34 days of janatha-curfew, we live in hope to prevail over the pandemic and emerge victorious. With the lockdown now extended to May, I hope the government will soon bring out a plan to thank all of us who followed the curfew to gather together for 3-pegs of Old Monk at 3PM on the 3rd of May 2020. Cheers...