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THIS year’s Christmas is very different from years past because of Covid-19. If it was possible, governments the world over could have called off Christmas, but unfortunately it isn’t a possibility. No politician in his or her right senses would cancel the festivities.
But that does not mean governments should stand aside and watch people throw caution to the wind at a time the dreaded coronavirus is wreaking havoc. It is pleasing to note that the government of Zimbabwe has already told the nation that it should celebrate with caution.
No larger gatherings will be tolerated. Parties are outlawed. Social distancing is a must. Wearing a mask is an obligation. There will be no loosening of Covid-19 restrictions and rightly so. Giving the nation an illusion of normality would come back to haunt us in 2021.
Allowing people to party like it’s 1999, at a time when levels of infection are going up, is likely to undo hard-won gains, leading to tighter restrictions next year and potentially a third wave of the virus.
The lockdown restrictions will hurt of course – Christmas is usually a time to celebrate with abandon, but we are being asked to isolate and limit gatherings.
Some will ignore this sound advice, but we beseech them to weigh up the risks for themselves and those they love.
They should remember that their decisions may well affect those they subsequently meet too.
Covid-19 spreads through gatherings, and we are especially vulnerable during this festive period as we will be tempted to leave our bubbles to visit others. We must resist this temptation, however, and instead stay safely at home. Just because you can go out and go wild does not mean you should. Stay home and stay safe.
Yes, it hurts to be locked down. Yes, it hurts to make sacrifices for the greater good. But the goal is to ensure we are all here next year to celebrate Christmas.
Staying home is the best and safest option. That doesn’t make it painless, though. After months of isolation, economic anxiety, and Covid-19 fatigue, it’s completely understandable that people are yearning for hugs from family members and huge amounts of alcohol in their bellies.
But, it is very important that we each take personal responsibility this festive period to limit the spread of the virus and protect our loved ones.
Some people with coronavirus have no symptoms and spread it without realising it.
So the safest way to celebrate Christmas this year is with your household and close friends. The more people you see, the more likely it is that you will catch or spread coronavirus.
No one is being discouraged from celebrating, we are just being encouraged to celebrate in a manner which is completely alien to us.
And if we are wise, we will heed the advice and celebrate with caution.
Online Reporter