HOW TO SURVIVE A PANDEMIC

It feels like ages ago since the world was ‘normal’. Today, an unprecedented occurrence in the lives of most people alive today has carved out a new world and a lot of stories to tell. The Coronavirus outbreak that shook the earth since earlier this year was, and still is, a force to be reckoned with. In response to the pandemic, many governments around the world imposed partial and total lockdown in their countries. The lockdown measure was to put the spread of the virus in check. However, it was one thing to survive the pandemic, and another to survive the lockdown.

While the pandemic raged on across the world, people had to resort to varying measures to keep physically, financially, and mentally fit. At the very least, we now know the things to do to cope during a pandemic like this. Should there ever be a similar outbreak in the future, here is a guide to help see you through:

Take a course or read a book

There was the popular belief that if you came out of the lockdown with no new skills, then you have lost a huge opportunity. Since schools will have to move online, a lot of people will resort to taking online courses to improve their skills or gain new ones. Those who would not voluntarily choose to learn a new skill may have to, at the least, learn some digital skills to enable them to work from home. Reading a few books and novels would also go some ways to build new ideas and vocabulary.

Make some friends

Evidently, you can find some intimacy during a time of physical distancing. You may even get to have a date. You could share a meal across rooftops with your partner. Get a drone to deliver romantic notes, although instant messaging may suffice. There are several online dating platforms available. Your soulmate might just be a sign-up away. Moreover, if you spend most of your week at work or school, it may be the perfect time to know your neighbours. Just go ask for a spoon of sugar or some tissue paper. Most importantly, in the event that the pandemic will blow into a fierce battle for survival, you need people who will watch your back while you try to make it to the bunker.

Start a business

While many businesses may be lost during the pandemic — unfortunately, and many have to start again on shaky grounds, you can still find a way to start your business. You could invest in telecommunications, selling airtime and data bundles to meet the growing demands that will be triggered by a stay-at-home order. Your business does not have to be online. You probably already know how to sew face masks or make hand-sanitiser.

Scam and Spam

With the lockdown will come an increase in the number of fraudulent practices. On the pretext of providing palliatives to the poor and needy who would otherwise be unable to cope without help from the government, many people will be defrauded of their savings and the little that would go a long way while waiting for government intervention. Fraudsters will find easier means to hack, phish, and cart away money from your bank accounts. Unfortunately, you may not be any wiser. However, if you get to escape the scam, you may not escape the spam. There will be numerous bogus news making waves on the internet. It could be fascinating to discuss how 5G network may be the cause of the Coronavirus, but much less interesting to come across stories debunking the existence of the virus and consequently endangering people’s lives. You need to learn how to steer clear of these two. Also, do not try to overthink the sources of the billions that will be donated to the government, or how much of such donations will reach your street.

Take part in a challenge, or start one

If you enjoy hanging out on social media, it could help you get through the lockdown period; it never ceases to be interesting. Truth is, our creativity as humans can never be spent and this will be demonstrated by the many fun challenges that will trend. You can look up some of these challenges on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Just search for Don’t Rush, Bop Daddy, Know You, Duduke, Let Them Know, and Don’t Leave Me. You will definitely be in for a treat.

Meme!

Who would not know the popular Ghanaian pallbearers and the ‘death tune’ that would come with that sudden fame? The Coronavirus is a deathly disease and you may not help but find means to make it entertaining. Benjamin Aidoo and his team of pallbearers will become the face of death and mishaps. At the background of their popular videos will be Tony Igy’s tune, Astronomia. The videos and the tunes will not only become the basis for mystic entertainment but also warnings of the fate that may befall anyone who fails to adhere to the recommended measures towards surviving the pandemic. While the pallbearers will be at it, Nigerians would immerse themselves in the popular phrase, ‘ Indasbosky Bahose.’ The expression may be taken from the words of a popular prophet in the country and may even go as far as birthing the Indabosky challenge.

Volunteer

While most will endure staying indoors, you can decide to volunteer your time and energy for the greater good. You will not be the only one to put yourself at risk while working with the medical practitioners at the frontline of the battle against the pandemic. You may even donate materials such as food, face masks, gloves, and other protective equipment. You could opt to sensitise others on the nature of the virus and guide them to properly protect themselves and their community. When you volunteer, you will not only get the pass to move around but also have access to first-hand information. Perhaps, you can convince your family and friends that there are actual patients at the isolation centres and that Coronavirus is not malaria.

Netflix and ‘Feed’

Watching movies and TV series will surely be another way of maintaining sanity during the lockdown. You must strive to have some of these ready. While there may be no new blockbuster movies and the cinemas will be shut, there have to be many movies yet to be seen — you even could skip a few good ones now for such rainy days. One particular movie that most people will relate with concerning the pandemic is Contagion. Several TV series will also available to watch and rewatch as they help while away time. I would recommend some zombie apocalypse series to hone your imaginations about the situation. However, staying at home all day could aggravate your craving for food. If you can afford it, stock up on varieties of food and beverages. Just keep some extra money and energy to hit the gym once it is open to public access.

Although the pandemic is not over and there is still more to learn, it feels good to know how the world works while battling a virulent enemy that was once alien to us. In the beginning, while the whole scene was unfolding, many would have pictured an apocalyptic world where survival was meant only for the fittest. It is indeed apocalyptic as it has changed so many things and opened our eyes to other possibilities. More importantly, it has reinforced the importance of hygienic living and charged us with the task of building a strong immune system. It has shown us the barriers between science, religion, and custom. It has highlighted the meeting point between the rich and the poor, as none could escape death on the sheer amount of their wealth. It has shown us how much value we put in education, local health services, and the results of age-long negligences.

Originally published at http://abiwale.wordpress.com on July 16, 2020.