Since March 18 last year, we have gone through several MCOs. From MCO right up to the RMCO. Certain happenings have somewhat led us in several states to be back in MCO, albeit a “relaxed” one. And yet people complain. Whether you are a politician, or holidaymakers, or employers, or just mere you & me, each of us had a role to play in this situation we now find ourselves in. SOPs were set, guideline after guideline were introduced and implemented, speech after speech delivered and one tireless health DG who probably has not much rest since the beginning of COVID19. BUT, we, all of us, have not really played our parts well have we?
During the MCO we all followed the rules. Stayed home, and just followed the rules. I found it funny each time I saw husbands and sons shopping for groceries. And I thought it was even funnier that most people felt “ketua keluarga” had to be the males of the family. So you have all these men -
young and older, with their VC or Facetime on, asking wives and daughters which sanitary napkin to buy, which flavoured chips and which chocolate they wanted. And how many times have I shares the same aisle space as men who would stand for minutes in front of sanitary napkins, and just, stare. Hahaha. I’m sorry it’s just really cute. There were times I felt like helping, but, for fear it may be taken the wrong way, I usually quickly grab my stash and walk away. OK so the point I wanted to make js that (maybe because I am a single parent), “Ketua Keluarga” need not be the husband or son of the family. It can very well be you, the mom or the daughter of the family. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong in putting your men and boys to work, I am blessed to have a son and daughters who can replace the “Ketua Keluarga” fit if need be. Syukur Alhamdulillah. But yeah, it was funny to see the men and boys walking around supermarkets with their VCs and FTs on looking for things. Anyhow, great job guys! I am sure by the end of the MCO, everyone is better at a little bit of everything in life.
Ok back to the question of playing our parts well. Somewhere along the way, when the number of cases went to a single digit, I think everyone started to feel a little more relaxed. And when certain restrictions were lifted, we rejoiced and took advantage of it. Families began bringing the entire family out to shop for groceries, shopping centres filled up and people patiently lined up outside stores (I am guilty too but I just cannot help
It when Bath & Body Works candles are on sale). Sure I always made sure I followed the SOPs - mask on, hands cleaned, social distancing practised. But I am guilty of being a bit relaxed, whereby while I was perfectly fine with grocery ahopping by myself, the four of us would go together any opportunity we got. Thats one of our favourite ways to spend with eaxh other. Grocery shopping followed by cooking together. Major love there. BUT, it was NOT necessary, we should have just continued to live like we did during the March 2020 MCO. Go out only when we needed to, just one person at a time for groceries, and just ate at home instead of eating out every now and then.
Today, the cases are consistently in the thousands. The dreaded virus is everywhere, within the community we live in, within our workplaces. It is probably somewhat uncontrollable. But yet people complain. How about we do this instead? Ask yourself, are you being careful? Do you follow the SOPs? Stop blaming others for what’s happening and just ensure you play your part. It doesn’t matter if others don’t but you do it, lead by example. Be a good example for your family. Be cautious, its OK to be careful now rather then regret it later on. Because when we are responsible for our actions, we may actually help orhers too. Let’s not add on to the statistics, and let’s not blame others. Everyone has a part in this thing we call COVID19. Let’s do this together. OK? Stay safe!
