Enough of this nonsense

The Covid-19 pandemic is among us, affecting everybody regardless of race, creed, status and all. Livelihoods and lifestyles are running amok. There is absolutely no one who can claim that his or her life is normal in this trying time. Every death is shocking as well as every positive test. Hard times are here for now and let us embrace them.

Following its devastation since the beginning of this year, it was imperative for President Lazarus Chakwera, alongside his team on the pandemic to make certain decrees and changes in an effort to minimise its spread. These are executive orders, but we all need to own up to every effort to protect ourselves, families, friends and the general population. There cannot be win win situations. Losses are inevitable—big ones for that matter—but it’s no fault of anybody.

It amuses me, therefore, to find a segment of the community staging protests against some measures affecting them directly. This week for instance, minibuses drivers and conductors complained about the two people per seat decree, demanding an increase by one citing losses in view of the increased fuel costs. Otherwise, they demanded a decrease in fuel. Sex workers, too are demanding a lapse in the curfew times, claiming that a closure of entertainment and joints at 8 pm is a detriment to their livelihood since their customers are ‘found’ way after that time. They are seeking ‘considerations’ for a time beyond 8 pm to keep their businesses booming and livelihoods intact.

There are many complaining and trying to maneuver their way out of the situation, but I am sorry to say that government will not succumb to such pressures. Schools have been closed and while private ones may have their issues, nothing is going to be done to the contrary. Eateries, supermarkets, markets and other businesses are forced to adhere to the new measures; no class of people is superior. Everyone is wary of the situation, but we have to conform to laid our standards even when they hit where it hurts the most.

And the wearing of masks is another widely misunderstood area. Going to a crowded place in one of the townships this week, I was met with sneers for wearing a mask. Since the majority opted out, I and the few who wore the masks were considered to be infected.  Others booed and considered those wearing masks as clinging to life too much or simply troubling themselves for choosing to cover up. The stares alone spoke volumes, but we soldiered on.

There is a saying; phukusi la moyo sakusungila wina. If we are going to wait for government to whip us to wear masks, we are wasting valued time. Do not wait until its too late. And for those who decide not to heed the urgent call to wear masks all the time, stop tormenting those who choose to. These are not dog muzzles are some are choosing call them. Enough of this nonsense.