We can’t cheat Covid-19

ZIMBABWEANS often laugh with those who laugh and cry with those who cry.

Our ubuntu dictates that when one of our own departs from this earth, we gather in our numbers to mourn them and console the family.

On the other hand, probably due to a subconscious acknowledgement of the fact that we are not producing enough as a nation, even the smallest hiccup drives most of us into panic buying.

As a result, while many companies have managed to decongest their offices and most churches have taken heed of Government’s directive discouraging public gatherings, most people continue to go about their business without a care in the world.

At funerals, hugs and handshakes continue to be exchanged generously, with the need for social distancing casually dismissed.

People continue to queue outside banks as they wait for cash withdrawals. This insatiable adoration for cash has seen dirty bank notes continuing to exchange hands at the expense of public health.

Then there are some supermarkets where panicky shoppers are spending considerable time in queues hoarding household goods in preparation for a “lockdown’”

In addition, Sakubva’s Musika weHuku, Moto-Moto, Sakubva Flea Market, Murahwa Green Market, Evergreen and the Hot Dogs, among other informal markets across the province, continue to be hives of activity as people jostle for fruits, vegetables and secondhand clothes.

With most workplaces decongested, it seems as if the multitudes have simply been redirected to the long winding queues, the informal markets and the social gatherings.

Some are even taking time off work to visit their relatives.

Then there are the social media fake news and memes that are almost reducing the global pandemic into a joke.

While the Government and the employers are concerned about the health of Zimbabwean people, are we in earnest concerned about our own health?

Recent activities in the past week prove that the answer to that pertinent question is a resounding no.

It appears as if where Covid-19 is concerned, most people still have their guard down.

Yet if there was ever was a time to reinforce our commitment to safeguarding public health, the time is now. Religiously following President Mnangagwa’s regulations is the only way to stop the spread of Covid-19.

When a group of more than 50 people congregate for whatever reason — a business meeting, funeral, weeding or to access maizemeal they are not only cheating themselves, they are also cheating the whole country.

In the event that one of them is infected with the virus, it is highly likely that the virus will spread across that whole group, before spreading to their contacts dotted across the country.

When beerhalls remain open despite the President’s ban on them, or imbibers decide to disregard the call to avoid unnecessary visits and continue to meet up to quench their thirst for the wise waters, they are not only putting their own health at risk, but that of Zimbabwe and ultimately that of the whole world.

In countries where coronavirus cases have dropped sharply, or where no new cases have been reported of late, contact tracing has been very influential, coupled with isolation of infected people.

Voluntary social distancing, good hygienic practices, avoiding crowds and meetings, working remotely, and joining online religious services have seen most Asian countries, particularly South Korea, getting the virus under control.

Social distancing has been at the centre of the virus’ containment, with most roads and buildings almost deserted across the world.

This is a decision that is supposed to be made and implemented at a personal level for the benefit of the entire world.

Let’s make that decision Manicaland, stopping the spread of coronavirus starts with you staying at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.