Belgium: Caring abroad through Covid-19

Travelling to Europe to care for an elderly woman has resulted in Umhlali local Heidie Smith being in lockdown far from home – but she has no regrets.

It’s all about caring for Heidie, from Cane Cutters farm near Umhlali and organiser of the annual Miss Ballito contest, who has been in lockdown with her 96-year-old client in Belgium since March 18.

Heidie left South Africa for the town of Knokke-Heist to be a caregiver earlier in March when nobody realised the virus would spread so fast.

The small European nation has been hit very hard, with nearly 17 000 infected and already more than 1 000 deaths.

Despite the bad news, Heidie said the camaraderie and kindness shown to front-line workers has been overwhelming.

The locals have taken to hanging white sheets from windows and balconies and, at 8pm every night, going out and clapping as a show of appreciation.

Knokke-Heist, a holiday town much like Ballito, has been hit equally hard.

“All their festivals and events had to be cancelled leaving lots of people very upset. Huge effort and construction goes into this, as wooden structures are built all along the beaches, stretching for kilometres.”

The lockdown regulations are much the same as here, except that they are allowed to walk within a one kilometre radius of their homes. But taking walks, Heidie said, is something she cannot afford to do.

“My client is a lovely 96-year-old lady who cannot be left without a carer. She cannot be exposed to the virus under any circumstances.

“My family wanted me to come home, but I think they have realised that Belgium is the best place for me right now. There is no point in exposing myself – or others were I to become infected – by travelling.”

“So for the collective we, as I like to say, I made the decision to stay,” said Heidie.

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