It’s time for all of us to step up to the plate and take personal responsibility

I’VE been wracking my brains all week trying to think of something to write about other than Covid 19. The truth is, nothing happens at the moment that isn’t connected in some way, or impacted by this pandemic. Our lives are ruled by it.

And just as it looked as though we were moving forward and getting one step closer to normality, the figures start to creep up again. Not by 1,2 or 3 but by numbers significant enough for the government to reimpose restrictions in Kildare, Laois and Offaly.

It’s the right thing to do but my heart goes out to the local business people who have simply been trying to keep going, keep their heads above water and get on with trying to make a living. Two more weeks in Lockdown could be the difference between them surviving or going to the wall.

And as the rest of us continue to enjoy our newfound element of freedom, you have to ask yourself are we doing enough as individuals to ensure this crisis is under control? There is a question of personal responsibility here as well. It’s not just everyone else’s job to keep us safe. It’s up to us too.

I’ve heard several people in recent weeks talk about others not adhering to restrictions, people not wearing masks, not maintaining social distancing etc.

One friend spent 15 minutes telling me how the pub he was in the night before was ‘absolutely black’ and no time limits imposed or social distancing being implemented. He went on to criticise the publican for not making his staff wear masks or limit the numbers at his premises.

‘But YOU are part of the problem,’ I told him. ‘You enabled that publican by being there and not leaving when you saw how restrictions were being breached.’

Each and everyone of us at this stage need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for our own actions.

Wear your mask, maintain social distancing, don’t bloody well go to bars and restaurants that are ‘ black with people’.

We need to start accepting that life is not going back to normal any time soon.

Look I’m not happy about it either. I miss going out with my friends, going to the loo in the pub and stopping on the way to talk to various people I know, hugging and kissing my loved ones, hugging and kissing everyone after a few G &T’s – if I have to elbow bump one more person I will scream!

But it has to be done. No point complaining we need to just get on with it. Just remember every one of us has a role to play in this situation. Take responsibility for your actions and stay safe.

In the words of Winston Churchill ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going.’

WE JUST NEED TO GET ON WITH IT. IN THE WORDS OF WINSTON CHURCHILL ‘IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING.’