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Moffat Mungazi
Post Correspondent
WITH the new strain of coronavirus — which is proving to be deadlier than the first one —taking a huge toll on humanity, it demands a critical shift in thinking and behaviour if we are to score victory in successfully combating it into receding.
So ravaging has been the pandemic that it has thus far shown no respect for age, gender, religion or wealth that even our national heroes like Lieutenant-General (Retired) Dr Sibusiso Busi Moyo, Dr Joel Biggie Matiza, Major-General (Retired) Paradzai Zimondi and Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba have succumbed to it.
Sad reality
Having been pegged back into a wretched existence by Covid-19, self-introspection can knock some semblance of sense into us.
Imagine that we can no longer, for now, pay our last respects to our dear departed loved ones in our numbers following stern procedures under which funerals can be conducted as a measure of reducing the continued spread of the disease.
Imagine that we can no longer have the usual droves, which add colour and excitement to the occasion, witness the exchange of nuptial vows at wedding ceremonies.
Imagine how much learning time our children have lost after being out of school for such a long time.
Imagine how our businesses are experiencing a low turnover, forcing others to downsize or shut down altogether, rendering some people jobless.
Imagine how local football-mad fans and those who earn their upkeep through the game have been left marooned and frustrated owing to non-activity of the domestic league.
Imagine that we can no longer, at this moment in time, congregate for the purposes of worshipping and fellowshipping as church mates.
Imagine that right now we cannot hang out at our favourite watering holes for social interaction.
All these scenarios obtain owing to the national lockdown enforced to combat the disease and mitigate its impact in the process.
Dropping guard
Yet it is our susceptibility to careless and irresponsible behaviour which has been the biggest undoing that has seen coronavirus stealthily steal a march on us and continue to deal us heavy, fatal blows. Sadly, we had dropped guard when it mattered most and just as the curve appeared to be flattening. Without any shadow of doubt, this is one war we will not conquer in by a confrontational approach. It calls for a behavioural change on our part. The invisible enemy is still out there on the prowl, lurking and looking to strike with vitriolic venom. The lingering menace of its juggernaut threatens to steam-roll past us if we continue pushing the self-destruction button. Our obduracy will only get us into deeper trouble.
We cannot afford to lose life in a moment, but rather lose some moments in life.
The “pain” of missing out on the daily luxuries we had grown used to under normal circumstances should be bearable and curable than that of getting infected or, in the worst possible scenario, dying from or losing a loved one to Covid-19.
No room for complacency
But does it kill to wear a face mask properly all the time we are in public places?
Where would it hurt to always sanitise and regularly wash our hands with soap under running water?
Why would we unnecessarily travel?
What do we lose by keeping away from crowds and maintaining social distancing?
Is it too herculean a task which requires a mighty effort to cover our coughs and sneezes?
Announcing the initial lockdown when the pandemic first broke out in March last year, President Mnangagwa clearly pronounced that the move was “not a punishment”, but meant for our own good and protection.
The more we continue with the flagrant disregard of the lockdown regulations and blatantly turn a blind eye as well as deaf ear to the recommended health guidelines, the longer we stay in this rut.
How then can we flee from the marauding pandemic when we are limping from shooting ourselves in the foot?
As more information about Covid-19 continues to be spread around by credible and responsible sources, Kwayedza newspaper reminds us that: “Corona handi jee” (Coronavirus is not a joke).
Stepping up
Prevention is better than cure and it is better to stay safe than be sorry, they say. We ought to rise to the occasion and be up to the task with regards to preventing new infections.
It cannot be business as usual.
The panacea to coronavirus, at least for now, remains the same: mask up, stay home, sanitise, wash hands regularly, maintain social distancing and less travelling.
That way we are sure to be safe.
We can be our own enemies on one hand, but also be our only hope and saviours on the other. The choice is entirely ours; let us choose wisely and act responsibly. We still have a chance.
President Mnangagwa could have not put it more succinctly when he said: “The present Covid-19 variant is stronger and spreads much faster, hence we must be more vigilant, disciplined and shift our attitude and behaviour. Alive to the ongoing reality, let us, however, not lose heart. Let us fight on and resolve to overcome . . . It is of paramount importance that we follow the health and security protocols and procedures to contain the spread of the pandemic . . . United with one common purpose, we will overcome and defeat Covid-19.”
Imagine returning to living our normal lives again after completely overcoming Covid-19 . . .
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