Covid-19
“A Touching Story”
I am sure that you have Covid-19
overload. Some messages are positive like this one “We always complain that we
never have enough time to spend at home with our children and doing the things
we want to do. Why are so many complaining?”
Covid-19 is touching lives around
the world, and it’s not going to go away in a hurry. As parents, you have a
double-whammy worrying about your children, your parents and job security (besides
toilet paper shortages). Parents with existing health issues are more at risk
and should take the advice of health authorities. Society is panicking because
there has been a lack of strong leadership, people (on the whole) are selfish
and undisciplined. Many are not taking this virus seriously enough; the medical
profession is overwhelmed and supplies are already running short.
Let’s be practical. We’re told that
80% of the population will become infected, and while they’re infectious
(some are symptom-free and are called ‘super spreaders’) they’re unwittingly
spreading the virus. Ants have a way of finding their way into the sugar,
no matter where you hide it. But at least we can see them and stop them. Like
all viruses, Covid-19 is invisible and multiplies like crazy on its host –
currently the human population.
To protect yourself, you need to
get into the habit of not touching things. Not easy to do because it’s one of
our strongest senses that is developed even before we’re born, and when we’re
out with the children, we’re always saying “Don’t touch!” They’re the biggest ‘touchers’
and the worst hand washers! This is because we ‘see’ things better when we
touch them. We have to imagine that the virus is on everything that we touch.
Our skin is a reliable protector, providing
there are no cuts or scratches or sores. The virus cannot get into your body
when it’s on your hands unless you rub your eyes, lick your finger or eat with
your hands.
Here is something to cut out and
magnet to your fridge.
TOUCH
T Touch as little as
possible. Keep your hands clean at all times and wash them as soon as you come
home or after touching things e.g. after shopping. Wash your hands with antiseptic soap like Dettol. Now that hand sanitisers are out of stock, make
your own solution by using diluted Jik (follow the instructions on the
packaging) and add a few drops of Tea Tree oil to disguise the smell and to
make it more effective. Put some of this solution into a sheet of disposable
toweling or a baby wipe, keep this on you when you go out and use it whenever
you feel it’s necessary. Throw this away before you get home.
O Only go out when it’s
absolutely necessary. Crowd minimizing is ineffective. Even 10 people in a
group is too many.
U Underestimating the
carnage and wrath of this virus and how quickly it can spread has been
the biggest culprit of this pandemic. Never underestimate a virus – they’re
smarter and more resilient than we realise.
C Cleanliness is next to
godliness. Cover your nose and mouth if you have to stand in a queue and keep
an arm’s length away from the person in front of you. Make sure the person
behind you does the same thing.
H Home isolation is
safest. Food, pharmaceutical, and grocery deliveries should be wiped with your Jik disinfectant. Wash your hands after receiving them.
We cannot afford to be in denial.
We may feel helpless, but it is
important to remain calm in a world that’s quickly become hysterical. Help your
family and friends by spreading wisdom, peace, and co-operation.
“Come, my people, enter your chambers
And shut your doors behind you;
Hide yourselves for a little while,
Until the wrath has passed.” Isiah 27:20
Department of Health Covid-19 hotline number: 0800029999 (South Africa)
*Things I
cannot control:
The behaviour of others
If others don’t follow the rules of distancing
How others react
Other people’s motives
Predicting what will happen
How long this will last
The supply of toilet paper
Things I
can control – and these I will focus on
I Can pray for strength, wisdom, and courage to face this
storm
I can follow recommendations
My own social distancing
My kindness and grace
Limiting social media
Turning off the news
Finding fun things to do at home
Spread calm amongst the calamity
*Adapted
from Carrie Stephens Art Counselling
