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In Focus: Obey the lockdown rules, stay at home

Right now, the rules are lenient, allowing people a certain amount of freedom of movement. Do we want the government to get tougher and say no-one is allowed out at all?

While most people are obeying the lockdown rules and staying at home, some are not.

Instead, they are downplaying the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps thinking it won’t happen to them.

This is the wrong attitude to take, especially in times of crisis as it not only affects the health of people but has wider implications.

It is a life and death situation with so many knock-on effects – the virus spreading at an alarming rate, people losing their jobs, businesses closing their doors and the collapse of not only our economy but of those around the world.

So, be mindful and do your part to help bring the pandemic under control.

Since the lockdown last week, I have made small observations around my neighbourhood.

On the first day, I noticed a domestic worker hurrying down the road surreptitiously looking over her shoulder hoping no-one noticed her. Whoever her employer is, is obviously not thinking of her health and safety or that of their family.

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On another day I saw a jogger taking a run around the neighbourhood seemingly blissfully unaware of the crisis.

This is pure selfishness. It is this type of attitude that multiplies over time and worsens situations. Some probably think that if others are doing it, it must be okay for them too.

When will we learn not to mimic what others are doing?

We all know the difference between right and wrong. The lockdown is not a holiday, it needs to be taken seriously.

What will it take to change people’s attitudes?

At the time of writing, according to Health Minister Dr Zweki Mkhize, five people had lost their lives to Covid-19 and 1,353 were infected with the virus.

Are these numbers perhaps too low for people to sit up and take notice?

In some countries, hundreds of people are dying everyday.

Surely, we don’t want the same scenario here. The government has implemented the lockdown for a valid reason, let’s respect it.

Right now, the rules are lenient, allowing people a certain amount of freedom of movement. Do we want the government to get tougher and say no-one is allowed out at all?

I don’t think so.

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