“No! I don’t believe it! Look at this story – someone has been arrested for ignoring his positive test and going back to work! He’s been charged with attempted murder, according to this story. Attempted murder!” Granny was shocked. “That seems a bit much.”
“Well, I suppose if you are so sick that you have been for a test, and have tested positive, you know what’s going on and can’t plead ignorance,” said Dezi’s mom.
“Isn’t it fake news? Let me check,” said Dezi, heading for her laptop.
“But shame, he’s probably desperate for money. This disaster is shutting down so many businesses. I hope people can get help,” said Rico.
“Well, it is not fake news. What was the guy thinking!? Hopefully no-one he was in contact with dies and he will be let off and this serves as a warning. Sjoe – we just have to roll with the punches as this thing throws up new situations for all of us. And btw there is a plan to help small businesses and freelancers affected,” said Dezi.
“Oh God … let’s hope lockdown works and this wave, this huge tsunami, of illness passes over us quickly and we can get back to work. The restaurant may never open again if it goes on too long. But my boss Themba says for now he’s been given what they call a ‘rent holiday’, and has filled in the forms to get money.”
“Oh no!” Rico’s eyes filled with tears. He was looking at his phone. They all stopped what they were doing and turned to him.
“Nono’s neighbour, Solomon … he’s already passed. Listen to what Nono says: ‘Poor dear Uncle Sol died all alone, in hospital. None of his family was allowed to be there, for fear of being infected too. Just think … even the nurses and doctors attending him were like non-humans in their protective gear. And now, they all have a fever in that house. I pray they don’t get it too badly and end up in hospital. The tracking team is coming to find out who they have had contact with. But they have been good about isolating since lockdown. Rico, this thing is real, and I’m so scared. My neighbours! Now I’m thinking of my younger brother and his asthma, and my friend the other side of them who is pregnant.”
Rico did not read out her last three words: “… and your Granny.”
“And the funeral. Who will be allowed to attend that?” said their mother sadly. “Who would ever have thought you are doing your neighbourly duty by not attending a funeral.”
“I would like us all to pray,” said Granny. “To pray for Solomon’s soul, and for his family. And for God to help us with strength and compassion, now that the virus has come so close.
“And when we have prayed, we are going to call friends who are alone or scared, and will be upset about this news. Talk about it, share our sadness. Share our hope that the virus passes us and our loved ones by.
“Then, we are going to make our roster for all our activities for today. And calmly go about our day in lockdown. That is all we can do.”
***
Tell us: Do you agree with Granny that all they can do is calmly go about their current day in lockdown? What is your experience of lockdown?