There have been some good side effects of the lockdown and curfews including less people on the streets which means less litter. The roads are quiet too, although there are some drivers who now see the roads as their personal racetrack. Hopefully, the improved hygiene standard will continue forever. It has been a good time to catch up on some maintenance work at the Office and on the equipment.
Author: Richard Imrie
A brink of uncertainty floats in the air amidst the corona-virus lockdown in the wider Suva area. The government implemented a 2 week lockdown during which time there was no possibility of working since I live in Nausori. Questions that surface included: “Am I safe? Have I taken enough precautionary measures to safeguard my family? How are the Erasito Staff coping in this pandemic?”.
A life-threatening illness such as corona-virus brings light to the ultimate question: “Have I worked enough to secure those left behind?”. One way to ensure security is to be hygienic, live within our means and be stringent with available resources. Similarly, toolbox meetings and family councils are effective ways I observed to raise awareness and encourage knowledge sharing.
Many World leaders stated at press conferences earlier in the year: “The fight with corona-virus is a war”. There is no better way to get behind enemy lines than to prepare. So, just as soldiers do, we must prepare physically, psychologically and spiritually as the enemy is invisible to the naked eye.
Author: Akosita Rarama
Back from my annual visit in the Philippines, I arrived in Fiji on February 9, 2020 with my wife and our daughter. During this time, the Covid-19’s distressing effects were already looming around the world. In Manila and in Singapore during our stop over, people were wearing masks and were aware of the health and hygienic measures recommended by various health organisations and Governments. During our arrival in Fiji however, it was like normal times and people were not so worried about the pandemic. This was in some ways comforting as we felt that there was nothing to worry about. That Fiji, after all, might be spared from the corona-virus.
The false feeling of security however, was short-lived as news all around the world started to show colossal numbers of patients and victims of the virus. Discussions in the Office and at home were mostly about Covid-19. My colleagues in the Office shared news about the pandemic and my social media accounts were flooded with articles and updates about the Coronavirus. We were added in several social media group chats that were created to monitor how co-workers, friends and families were coping. At home, we were full time on our phones tracking patients and death counts all over the world, which was informative but at the same time, worrisome.
In the Office, our management and Staff collectively put in place measures and guidelines to minimise the risk to the Staff members catching the virus. Washing of the hands with water and soap upon entering the Office and frequent disinfection of the hands with alcohol became the new norm. At home, we minimised going outside and only the trips to the grocery shops were prioritised. It became more concerning day by day. We were worried about our well-being whilst in Fiji and at the same time, we were also thinking about the situation with our family in the Philippines.
Then the inevitable came – Fiji had its first case in Lautoka and not long after, we had another case in Suva. We knew the situation will worsen and that the end of the pandemic was nowhere to be seen. We became more anxious as uncertainties about our situation was building up everyday.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many lives. It has changed the World we live in and is changing our way of life in an unprecedented manner. It is apparent that we will never be back to the old norm and that human behaviour and the society in general are now forever changed.
Author: Alfred Macmac
Covid 19 is a deadly virus which has caused a lot of panic and stress amongst everyone.
Fortunately, I still work and so does my husband Vikash, and the restrictions and advice from Erasito and the Government have kept us safe from catching the virus. We are lucky not to be out of work as many people have been layed off or requested to take unpaid leave. I had to take a lot more precautions as I normally go out to do errands and I am more exposed to the general public.
My daughter Shyla remained at home since the schools were closed so children don’t get infected. We were not able to go and visit families or friends. We were not allowed to go to the beach and other places of entertainment. There was a curfew in place for our safety. I felt that some don’t take this seriously which is selfish and could harm the rest of us.
On a positive note, I personally think that this is a good start to keep ourselves and our environment clean. We get to spend more time at home and do things which we didn’t previously do.
Author: Nazmeen Hussain
March 2020