March COVID-19 Anniversary

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It was the month of March 2020 when the corona virus (COVID-19) put the world on lockdown. We complained that it was like being behind bars. 

Old Post I did in 2020

‘It’s like being in prison.’

Not really. It’s a health issue. Corona is lurking in the shadows and we don’t know where it will land. That is why health authorities suggest we stay at home a bit to contain it, as much as possible.

Therefore, equating staying at home with being in prison is way off base.  The two spaces are as different as night and day. Home means independence. Prison means absence of. 

Governments call jail Correctional Services. People sentenced to two or 15 years call it lock-down. The judge threw away the keys to their independence. They cannot lock and unlock financial, physical and social doors.

Staying at home because of corona is not lock-down. You are a human being, an independent being, free to loll in bed, switch on the kettle for a cuppa tea or Tanzania brew, read, fight with your kids or partner, do your daughter’s hair, teach your son how to cook, sweep the yard, vacuum the place or watch T.V.

There’s also the time factor. When? You do all of the above when you like or when it is convenient. In prison, there is a set time for meals, chores, exercise, visitors and going to bed.

Where? When? How? It’s something we seldom think about until we are arrested and prison authorities ask us to empty our pockets and write down all our possessions including the last stick of gum.

When being at home drives us crazy, we can take out the bicycles; walk the dog, push strollers with the twins inside or take a walk in the snow. We have access to nature.

Prisoners are on lock-down. That is why they cannot walk to the gate and tell armed guards to open it.

Guard: Are you crazy?

Prisoner X: I’m going for a walk.

Guard: (on his electronic walkie-talkie) Get the shrink out here, ASAP.

Think about that the next time you say staying at home to contain corona, is like being in jail.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.

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