Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
VALENTINE’S Day festivities in the city and beyond with be at a record low today, as couples will be limited in ways to express their love for one another, save for those that live under the same roof because of the Covid-19 pandemic which has limited access to areas of leisure and recreation.
It is indeed a red Valentine’s Day, not red that is traditionally associated with the day of love, but red to symbolise the 1 393 lives that have been lost to Covid-19 since last year when the country has been affected by the pandemic.
With the day falling on a Sunday, many expected to be out and about having lunches and dinner with their loved ones but the strict national lockdown regulations have seen a number of recreational facilities such as picnic areas, braai spots and restaurants shut down, leaving lovers with very limited places they can go and spend a part of this usually eventful day together.
Besides, business shuts down at 3pm and a curfew starts at 6pm meaning lovers should be home before sunset in order to avoid run-ins with the law. The creative industry has been the hardest hit during this pandemic and they usually cash in on the day with performances at restaurants, hotels and leisure spots.
There shall be limited flower deliveries throughout the day today as most flower shops are generally closed while the few that are open can only deliver to a handful of the population. Socialite and media personality Patience Phiri said the creative industry which usually outshines itself this period cannot put up a show because of the pandemic.
“Valentine’s is just the tip of the iceberg because of the struggles that entertainers in the creative industry are going through. The entertainment world is quiet in January and it picks up in April when weddings start and also when the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair starts (for Bulawayo), so usually creatives cash in from August to December because they know that proceeds will take them over for the next four months or so until bookings resume. Now this Valentine’s is different, the flower vendors at the City Hall, bands, musicians, poets that usually perform at restaurants, bars and all those entertainment places will not be available this year,” she said.
She added. “Everyone is struggling because regulations do not allow and we cannot make money, we cannot work.
That in itself takes away the feeling of love as there is so much stress around and people are generally not working. If there is no work, there is no money and you will note that there are reports of Gender-Based Violence reported in homes because of frustrations as we are living in a tough economy so it is made tougher by Covid-19. Buying a single rose may be a nightmare because flower shops are closed and that unfortunately also means that some businesspeople may take advantage of this and sell flowers at ridiculous prices as people will have little options. Many people may not be able to show their love this year because of the situation,” she said.
Model and entertainer Oliver Keith shared his sentiments, also saying it’s a bleak Valentine’s Day.
“It’s been an unprecedented second year running. Thanksgiving wasn’t the same, and so was the festive season.
Valentine’s will be no different, it comes at a time most countries are under restrictions. But if anything, if this pandemic has not brought you closer to your loved ones, then that’s a different story. These difficult times have been made better by those who love us, and those who have sacrificed their lives as frontline workers.”
He however, said the lockdown must not be an excuse not to treat a loved one.
“I’m of the opinion that lockdown shouldn’t be an excuse to express your love to your partner. You can still make a meal for her/ him, order flowers online, uber chocolates or fragrance to her. We may not be able to physically be together, but we still can express our love through all sorts of gifts, even gifts that don’t require lots of money. If you can’t afford anything, write her a letter and drop it off at her gate. It’s time to be creative,” he said.
Those in the taxi business also said they were hoping to cash in on deliveries and ferrying people up and about but that will not take place.
“Usually, we get busy delivering flowers and presents to offices when Valentine’s Day falls during the week. We also make a killing by taking women to various eating houses on the day for surprises and so much more.
But this year the day falls on a rather quiet day and also during a time when the country and world are in the doldrums. People are not able to go out and enjoy the day, but we are hopeful next year will be a different year,” said Mr Maxwell Hove who drives a taxi service that was put on hold under the lockdown regulations.
derick.khumalo