COVID-19: Wash your hands and check your privilege
As the global pandemic continues to bombard our lives and monopolise our conversations, take a minute to think outside of your own experience
A statement of obviousness: There's a lot going on right now.
In the way only humanity could achieve, we are going through one of the most collective experiences possible as divisively as we can.
We know that there is a virus that has taken hold of the world essentially, with about 3/4s of countries with at least one person confirmed as infected with COVID-19. It seems to be as transferable as a common cold and as fatal as a flu, and there is currently no vaccine for it. Though there is a lot of data available, these are unprecedented times and we can't be sure of exactly what will happen next.
Many countries are locking down, some at quicker rates than others. In all instances, sensibility, hygiene and a level of distancing is being encouraged.
I'm not a doctor, a politician or a business leader, there is a level at which I shouldn't and won't comment. This is what it is, and we have to face it as best we can, with that generally being dictated by experts.
But there are things we can control too; the comments we make, the shopping we do, acting in ways that think of others.
A lot of people are focusing on the positives, or at least trying to and I fully support that, but CHECK YOUR PRIVILEGE.
Remote working, for many, is the ideal because it means you're not spending 3 hours a day commuting, so now you have that time back with your family - amazing! But what if you live alone and self-isolation will negatively affect your mental health? Or the partner you're now isolated with is abusive? Or having your children at school is the only way to feed them?
Closing schools may seem really sensible in terms of reducing large gatherings. But what if school is your safe and happy place? What if you haven't been idenitifed as a child in need that can still have school provided for, but you are one?
Following the advice to avoid pubs and restaurants initially looks like a great idea. But as it isn't mandated in the UK, those establishments won't be able to claim for loss of earnings on their insurance. People are losing their jobs because of the uncertainty and lack of support around business continuity.
Having heated discussions in groups, on social media, may feel right as we navigate this new (temporary) normal, and it is certainly understandable. But if you're someone that is fit and healthy with no regular contact with at risk people, think about those who are listening to you panic when they are in at risk categories. Or those with anxiety who can overthink about the smallest of issues, never mind gobal pandemics.
Getting that extra toilet roll or tins or pasta may seem necessary. But there are food banks currently struggling to meet demands, you're literally taking food from those who can't afford it. Supermarkets aren't struggling to meet the demand of use, they're struggling to meet the demand of purchase - we can stop this.
And finally, even as a person challenged by anxiety who has started to suffer mentally and is therefore going back to my parents to see this out as of next week, I too am checking my privilege. I have a choice. Those who work in the emergency services, especially healthcare, policy creators, delivery drivers and many more, in fact, all the ones some considered 'low-skilled' barely months ago - they have no choice. They have chosen careers that put others before themselves in many ways, and that is being pushed as far as possible right now. Be grateful, be kind, be someone who helps make this situation better not worse.
We're all in this together...Let's find the eye of the storm, the peace in the madness, hold on and keep going until it's over. Don't let go of hope. With patience, compassion, kindness, and love, we'll go again.
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