Coping with COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world without mercy. Everyone has been affected somehow, and after almost two years that have included curfews, lockdowns, vaccinations, and unfortunate passings, the fatigue has set in. Is this our ‘new normal’ for real? We aren’t quite sure. Yet, the pandemic hasn’t been all doom and gloom. Babies have been born, people have got married on smaller scales, and through it all, many still find ways to smile and appreciate life. While several things remain outside of our control, we try to maintain hope that there is light at the end of this tunnel and attempt to endure as best as we can.

The Weekend Gleaner decided to speak with persons about how they are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Alexis Chin-Tufail, marketing and communications manager, American International School of Kingston, 32

“Since the pandemic hit, I have experienced a huge amount of emotions - fear, anxiety, and uncertainty - but there has been a surprising and consistent emotion in the background which keeps me going, and that’s gratitude. Gratitude not just for my family, who, thank God, I actually like; a roof over our heads; food on our table, but also for something we normally take for granted, and that is health.

“As a young mom, the last thing you want to do with a baby is to have them spend their first year of life indoors, secluded from close friends and other children. But I have to keep reminding myself that I am not alone. We are all in this together, and together, we can get through it. This feeling has enabled me to gain a helpful perspective, and that has been grounding. I am cognisant of the fact that I am blessed to be able to use this time to immerse myself in my family. We have been able to spend more time together, growing appreciation for one another with the knowledge that we are lucky to play a vital role in helping mankind by the simple act of getting vaccinated, to not only protect us and my child, but to help protect others.

“Although I wish this situation was different for the entire world, the time we have with loved ones and staying healthy is a gift, and I choose to be grateful and focus on that.”

Ann-Merita Golding, speech-language pathologist, 37

“Like many of my peers and colleagues, I am doing my best to stay positive and adjust to this ‘new normal’. Wearing masks, constant hand washing, and social distancing have grown to be a normal part of life and actually helps me to feel safer when enforced in public spaces. Now with the unprecedented surge in COVID cases this summer, I have a heightened sense of anxiety and frustration towards those who flout the protocols and subscribe to blatant rebellion and ridiculous conspiracy theories.

“As an allied health professional, my clients and patients are disadvantaged when they have setbacks in their therapy and rehabilitation process due to the lockdown and curfew measures. As a clinician, I am concerned for our nation’s youth and the cognitive, social, and psychological impact the pandemic is having on their overall development.

“I have chosen to do my best to not contribute to the spread of the virus. I am vaccinated, and I enforce strict protocols at home and in my office. I have chosen not to attend public social events or gatherings as I strongly believe it simply is not the time to be partying and gathering in large numbers, whether people are vaccinated or not, particularly when so many people are dying and grieving the loss of loved ones or simply trying to cope emotionally.

“I stand in solidarity with my fellow healthcare workers on the front lines and with parents who want their children to go back to face-to-face school for the benefit of their futures. I’ve made the personal choice of exercising selflessness because I am fully aware that if we are to get through this and get back to some semblance of normalcy, it requires each one of us to sacrifice life as we knew it to achieve life as we would naturally want it to be.”

Antonio Spence, assistant general manager, NCB Insurance Agency and Fund Managers Limited

“It has been both challenging and rewarding navigating through this pandemic. On the family front, my pre-teen daughter started off loving online school. Six months in, she couldn’t wait for face-to-face. On the business end, we have seen improvements in all of our business lines, and we are optimistic that as Jamaica and Jamaicans recover, even brighter days are ahead.”

Dr Canute James, senior lecturer, Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication

“I am managing to cope but hoping that we see some positive changes in the trends very soon. The numbers are going up, and that is very stressful, but I am coping well despite all the stress.”

Dane Lafayette, deputy chief executive officer, Geddes Refrigeration Limited, 40

“With the country nearing two years of the COVID - 19 crisis, like many people, I was forced to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of operating. In the beginning, it was very difficult to accept the sudden change and expectation of wearing a mask, social distancing, working from home, and even homeschooling my children. On the business front, new measures had to be quickly implemented so that the day-to-day operations were not negatively impacted. However, as the reality of how deadly the virus is became evident and how badly it is affecting many people and businesses across the world, the desire to survive and also to protect my loved ones quickly changed that view.

“Many people may question the effectiveness of the recent lockdown; however, with hospitals now operating beyond their capacity and their inability of helping or catering to sick people becomes more evident due to the unavailability of needed resources such as oxygen, it is my view that any measure to curtail the spread of this deadly virus is a benefit to all. The difficulty now exists in balancing both personal and professional lifestyles.

“Despite the implementation of creative means and practices, businesses are also impacted negatively. I look at this by putting into perspective that to win the war against COVID-19, we all need to not only develop a coping mindset, but to make the sacrifice to do what is necessary to eradicate this virus. The process of keeping healthy has intensified at all levels. My outlook on life has changed significantly as there is a deeper sense of appreciation and value for people, and, most importantly, my family. There is a great desire to try new things and to create new experiences.”

Emmanuel East, student, 12

“It is pretty sad that I cannot go outside anymore, to talk to my friends, and go back to school. I have not been coping well because I want to go outside and see my friends again … but whenever I feel sad, I watch TikToks to make me feel happy.”

Gavin ‘Blak T’ Martin, dancehall artiste, 27

“It not really good because of the many opportunities I have gotten to showcase my talent, which [had] to be put on hold. I try do everything to stay relevant even though my supporters are not getting the opportunity to see me in person. I have to do everything to stay in their eyes through social media. Even though I have gotten a few opportunities due to the pandemic, it is not possible because the entertainment section is kind of locked down now, so it has been really difficult.”

Keisha Davis, market vendor, 41

“During the start, it was really rough. I was scared, but afterwards, it was normal. Business-wise it was okay. Things are just the same as on a normal day. Even since the last couple of weeks, people are rushing to get stuff … it’s like you don’t have enough to serve the customer. Before, the pandemic business was slower for me. On a personal level, I have been coping just fine. One thing I have been doing to make the experience a little better is praying.”

Panseta Simon, retired teacher/principal, 60+

“It has been a tedious situation, but with the help of God, I am pushing through. One good thing I can really speak of is how the Lord has provided me with my son, who goes into technical areas for me, like the market, so I don’t have to go those areas. I keep myself away from the crowds until things clear up. So far, I have been going through, and God has been keeping me safe.”

Tori-Ann Ellis, student, 20

“From a student’s perspective, this pandemic has somewhat affected learning. We are not in the physical space where when we are facing challenges, we can get more attention. Being in the virtual space brings many distractions. In general, I have been coping with this pandemic by adapting to the changes rather than complaining. I have adapted by finding things to do, keeping myself entertained, checking on my friends and family as much as possible.”

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com