By Mumtaz Moosa Saley

A year ago, we entered uncharted waters, and we hoped that by 2021 we would be COVID-19 free. But here we are with the number of active cases rising daily. I know you are tired; we all are. We currently feel as if what is meant to be will be; however, now more than ever, it is our time to be socially responsible. 

Kids will tell you that while we are visiting, going out and so on, they are the ones that are still paying the ultimate price. The routines that they once had, have changed and will change further as we traverse this new terrain.

Sports and jungle gyms at school grounds remain closed, and the once noisy break time is now sad and quiet as each child sits socially distanced.  Many primary school pupils miss out on playtime, which for them is equivalent to torture. There is no fun, and simple games like hide-and-seek are banned. 

Children are forced to accept the new status quo. However, many adults are falling short. Often you see little or no social distancing at super busy malls, and events such as elaborate weddings still occur. Have we not seen the cost of being complacent with the number of people who succumbed to or fell dangerously ill last year?

So do we not owe it to our children to stop blaming everyone and start taking responsibility?  By now, we all know it’s not just the flu; mentally, we all been through the worst during the second wave where there were dozens of funeral notices, and each one of us was touched by death.  The responsibility is with us, and this is when we need to adhere to the protocols that have been made mandatory for us. 

Wear your mask. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds.

If you are attending any social events to help raise funds, remember that social distancing helps.