On March 30, 2020, I wrote a blog entry titled, "My Thoughts on COVID-19 as the British Virgin Islands Records Third Case". Today is the last day that persons can move freely around the British Virgin Islands because we are heading into a mandatory 24-hour curfew. Only persons deemed as essential workers will be allowed to move around to go to work and then return home. This has caused quite a stir for many people because it means no work, no ability to buy food, continuing to take full time care of children and elderly relatives, no barbershops and salons, no church, no liming and more of being home only.
As we headed to the grocery stores over the past few days, we saw that compliance continues to be a concern for our territory. Persons did not adhere to the guidelines to shop daily by surnames and there were few good examples of social distancing. Everyone ran out early in the morning to go to the stores and of course, that caused extensive waits, panic, panic shopping, persons got ill and traffic issues.
I tried to maintain decorum in every place that I went on my assigned day and I had no issue. People were polite and helpful. I also assisted in any little way that I could and I smiled. I waited a few hours to get into the store as well but when I was not chatting, I was doing a crossword puzzle or uploading pictures of me doing crossword puzzles on social media. I had learned to make the best of situations from a long time ago.
I was also asked to assist with a project and it did not take me long to agree to assist. I am still tired but when I thought about the few who did it for most of the day, I was happy that I lent my support. As a result, I benefited even though that was not what I was expecting.
With a few more hours left before full lock-down, I am looking at the amazing weather and thinking about what else I can plant in my garden and what space I can use. I am planning to record some poetry and do some crafts with my children. We will also be launching some surveys to get people's opinions on what we create. I look forward to doing some drawing and coloring too - if we can find the crayons. I'll be attending church online as well.
I have seen many people post pictures of the food they have prepared; I have been doing that for years. It does not entice me like before. I prefer to share the joys of the "farm" part of the"farm to fork" philosophy.
Blogging is one of my passions and I will continue to maintain it within this period, while balancing whatever work assignments are given while working remotely. I find that I sleep better now and I have less back pain. After all, I have already mentioned to my supervisor that I would be happy to work from home. I am a pusher and I will get my work accomplished once I have the tools, and Google if the tools foul up.
I take this opportunity to applaud the Public Service's Health Ministry and all Health Professionals for their diligence and hard work. I also appreciate the efforts of the Premier and his team for their leadership. I cannot forget the various religious sects for their prayers and supplications; and of course, the supermarkets, gas stations, hardware stores and other vendors for enduring us for the past few days.
When we step away from the 24-hour curfew, I say that the cleaners, sanitation officers, janitors and other cleaning professionals should be the MVPs on every team. They are the one of the key human resources because their work impacts our health and well-being in the workplace. Be kind to these professionals and pay them well.
I pray that everyone remains safe and the BVI will not have anymore confirmed cases. I also pray for the entire world that people will recover, the grieving will be comforted and the homeless and hungry will be attended to. It is a trying time but how we reach out to each other will make the difference.
Linette
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