Hey guys,
Whether terror or tragedy, acts of nature or man, disasters have proven over and over to bring out the best in us. Even in the worst of times, that support and kindness — no matter how small — helps keep us sane. We depend on each other. We band together. We are kind to one another. Usually…
I am angry and hope you’ll have time to read this now that the borders are closed and the supermarket shelves are as bare as the security line in airports all over the world.
Last Friday, whilst hundreds of people enjoyed soaking up the end of summer UV rays at Bondi Beach, I was starting my sixth day of self-isolating. Without being melodramatic, what you may think is just a bad flu has the potential to kill people, including me.
It has the potential to kill you, your spouse, you parents, grandparents, friends, colleagues and children. Coronavirus doesn’t discriminate. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are proof of that.
Yes, we can make jokes and send memes as we all enter unfamiliar territory but I am angry. I’m angry with you for being on the beach and angry with people who are not taking this seriously.
I’m angry for the old lady who can’t buy toilet paper and even angrier for the Mum who can’t get nappies for her newborn baby. I’m angry that the baker can’t get flour and the small business owners who are unable to see their future.
Do you know what happens if you and I both get sick and need life saving treatment? You will get priority because you’re more than likely healthier than me. It does make sense and I am okay with that providing you would be able to stand in front of my husband, parents, siblings and nieces and tell them you’d done everything in your power to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
This isn’t a sob story, this is immune-compromised me, a woman in her 30’s bluntly stating the facts hoping that it changes the mindset of at least one person.
I’m the woman who has put a sign up on my front door to tell people we are an “at risk” household. I have nicknamed my spare room “Corona Storage” and use it to shut away my negative and depressing thoughts (oh, and any excess toilet paper).
What happens when I’ve self-isolated for the 14 days? I isolate for another 14 days. And 14 after that if I have to. Coronavirus will still be prevalent in the community and I will still be sitting at home. It’s not worth the risk but by getting rid of your ignorance and putting others first will help bring normality back to the world. The urge to do something as beneficial as walking is insane but so is knowing that by going for a walk, I may have contributed, or come into contact with the Coronavirus.
The thing is… I’m okay with that because in years to come, I want to look back and know that I did all I could.
Let’s change the terminology. From now on, social distancing should be called physical distancing and please take it seriously. Call off those brunch plans with your friends, stay away from beaches and take the time to do activities at home. Yes, it’s disruptive. I get it. I would love to go out for dinner with my husband or hug my friends but I’m not going to, and you shouldn’t, either.
Let’s stop choosing to ignore current restrictions and commit to physical distancing to protect those we care about. FaceTime your friends and family, binge watch Netflix, start a virtual book group, work in your PJ’s, learn to cook… write a bloody book. We’ll get back to brunches and concerts once we’ve taken action, flattened the curve and shared social media posts about the importance of young people laying low.
Come on Australia. It’s time to grow up and realise how serious this is.
Let’s kill the coronavirus with kindness. Kindness will save my life.
Naomi Lambert, www.thecooltobekindproject.org