The lock is on the door

When the first case of the novel Coronavirus was identified at Wits, it caused panic among students all round the country. The North-West University, like other institutions, decided to close early for the Easter break.

Students at that time were overjoyed, as recess began early, but after some time they realised this would have an impact on their studies.

I returned to my hometown before the lockdown was announced, which made Zeerust my place of comfort with my parents and younger sister.

For the first two weeks, I decided to self-quarantine, just for safety and to satisfy my sense of paranoia. During this time, I decided to read a few books that educated me on gratitude towards situations and dreams that we should not allow to get away. I also baked cookies to dip during my afternoon coffee break. This break truly allowed me to pass the time patiently. 

I also decided to social-media detox for a week to help me feel more grounded and in the moment, and let me tell you, it works wonders!

Most of all, I felt very unproductive during this time as there was not much of a set schedule. But I somehow got used to the idea of what every day looks like and started scheduling activities and work to do every day, which has kept me sane. This allowed me to stay on track in different areas in my life.

I do, however, miss the chatter of my class friends when doing an assignment and the face-to-face-interactions.

When I finally decided to join my mother for grocery shopping, I was shocked at how people were not complying with the lockdown rules. Shoppers seemed unbothered as they pushed their trolleys without gloves and walked around without masks. Only three out of around 50 shoppers wore protective gear in Pick n Pay. 

When I visited Clicks to get medication and on-sale Easter eggs, the line was quite long, and, according to the manager, this had been the case since the lockdown was implemented.

I will admit, even though individual shoppers might not be taking the prevention steps, the stores surely are concerned. There is someone at the doors of the shops spraying consumers’ hands with sanitiser as they enter. In the lines outside there is tape on the floor to indicate the distance between individuals, and certain products are taped off that the store cannot sell to customers. 

What I have noticed while scrolling through social media and talking to a few of my friends is that people are becoming more accepting of the fact that they have to stay home. It has become a reality and a routine has been established. Twitter banter keeps the mood light with hashtags on people’s lockdown experiences and Tik-Tok challenges have become my norm now. 

To keep busy I exercise, do academic work, read, bake and watch series. I never thought that I would say this but I do miss attending classes and Varsity Café doughnuts. 

There is not much we can do besides our part of staying home and complying with the regulations set out. We can only hope and pray that there will be a brighter time for us in South Africa.