Covid -19, a virus that has built fear in everyone nationally and internationally. Initially when the virus attacked ,people felt fearful of being unwell, their health and safety was their concern but today the fear of being unwell has changed to fear of being outcasted. People fear being pointed out and considered a reason of inconvenience to others. The reason of their lockdown.
As soon as a case is detected anywhere and the name appears in the “Red List”, one feels like a culprit. The infected becomes the topic of conversation. Worse is when the doctors and police arrives to take the person safely to the quarantine center. The fellow residents come out in their balconies or windows to take pictures and make videos to be sent to their various WhatsApp groups. Then starts the WhatsApp university examination with questions like.. “Kaun hai ?”, “Kahan rehte hai ?”, “Kahan gaye the?”
The forwarder takes pride in being the first informer to pass all details and loves to feel that he is the enlightened one.
It does not end there. Then starts the part 2 which is moral policing “such people, I tell you.. they should be penalized, prosecuted , kept away” and so on.
The family of these people are made to live an even more harrowing time. Suddenly no one wants to reach out to them even virtually , least they may come in contact list. The good resident of the society become the “ irresponsible “ one.
Status of Victim is changed to that of a culprit and If we continue this behavior of ours then this lockdown has taught us nothing but work from home and work at home.
Not just that, people will stop reporting ill health. No will go for testing till it becomes acute.
We humans are ok to die in dignity than live without one and this for sure will not be good.
Friends I believe the infected is already going through many emotional and health issues. The family is scared of the health of everyone of not just the infected but rest all too.
It is time to reach out virtually and not withdraw
It is time to hug virtually and not push
It is time to support and not abuse
It is time to be with them virtually and not let them be.
I suggest when an infected is being taken to the quarantine.. do come out in your balconies and windows but this time not to make videos but to wish them good luck call out and say, “Come back soon” . Give them the assurance that you will take care of the family.
Tell them we are with you
Tell them it’s ok.
Being a mental health expert I can guarantee the infected would heal faster because he will be happier and not guilty.
Corona is here to stay, it ain’t going away.. remember it could be you tomorrow and that too without your fault , without your knowledge. BE THERE !
