The C-word is on everyone's mind now, here or elsewhere, all over the world. Airlines are suffering unprecedented losses, people are hoarding dry food, hand sanitisers and toilet paper like never before, schools are counting days before an enforced closure takes effect, daily commuters are wrapping masks and hankies around their faces, supermarkets struggle to keep up with mass purchases, public events are randomly cancelled and a conversation cannot be sustained for more than 5 minutes before the virus steals the limelight.
So, as a mother of a schoolgoing child and an employee herself in the same school, how am I dealing with this crisis of sorts?
a) By remaining calm. We cannot buy every single thing online, particularly perishables like vegetables, fruits and dairy. We do need to step out of the house every now and then and do our groceries in the usual manner.
b) Cultivating a sense of humour about the scenario at large. If I can't resolve the problem, maybe I shouldn't contribute to it in any way, at least? I have had parents squabbling and overreacting to simple responses and jokes in Whatsapp groups. Really! At this age?
In between:
Fed up of all the conspiracy stories circulating on social media right now.We are already living in fear. Who wants to know the graphic details?
Update:
Now that Boris Johnson, the PM, and Prince Charles has contracted the virus too, things are not looking good for the country at large. Wondering which way this will go...will the people take heart from the fact that he might survive it or will they be in despair at the possibility that anyone might be infected now?
