The country’s story of effective management of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic is now changing from a sweet to a bitter one. The country is now experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which has been attributed to people not adhering to COVID-19 protocols. The fate we shuddered to imagine is gradually unfolding before our very eyes.
I attended a childhood friend’s marriage ceremony on January 3, 2021 but refused to enter the mosque to partake in the programme because many persons were not wearing mask. I thus monitored the ceremony from outside and left the place immediately after the event.
Again, I deliberately declined an invitation to the marriage party later that evening. Not even the numerous phone calls from friends who had noticed my absence could change my mind. They all laughed at my reason for not attending the event. Some even called me ‘coward’ for declining the invitation because of COVID-19.
As I write, 48 ‘brave’ persons who attended the party have so far contracted the dreaded Coronavirus, with three under critical condition. Although the bride and groom were spared, the groom’s elder brother was not that lucky. He joined his ancestors in Samanfoland last Thursday due to pre-existing medical conditions.
The groom, who initially expressed disappointment at my absence, now understands my decision – albeit too late. All the ‘wahala’ could have been avoided had COVID-19 safety protocols been religiously observed. He and all those who brazenly disregarded the safety protocols at the said party have now realised the pandemic is closer to them than they can ever imagine.
The recklessness I observed during the marriage ceremony can be seen everywhere in the country. It is very common to see people flagrantly disregarding the safety protocols. Be it in tro-tro or taxi, at funeral or outdooring, at a party full of drunkards or a gathering of honourable Members of Parliament (MPs), the recklessness is the same.
I’ve had the occasion to discuss choice and consequence in this column. I’m repeating the dose because there is no over-flogging an important issue. For the blacksmith always hits hard on the part of the iron he wants to shape.
As humans, we are faced with choices every day. Sometimes we get it right, other times we get it wrong. We learn from the mistakes to make better and wiser choices the next time.
Many choices in life may seem insignificant at the time they are made. But those choices may set in motion a series of events which shape your life and the lives of your children and grandchildren. Alternatively, those choices could lead to a very disastrous outcome.
Sometimes people make unwise choices which aren’t momentous in themselves, but they lead to tragedies. A classic example is the story narrated above. Would the groom have gone ahead with the party if he had known the tragedy it was going to cause?
Abusuapanin, until we get a cure for COVID-19 or the country secures a vaccine for all, we should all remember that our safety is in our own hands. We cannot be irresponsible by ignoring the safety protocols and turn around to blame government.
Indeed, HIV/AIDS has been with us since 1984 or thereabout. It is still here, that is why responsible folks do not go about lashing damsels indiscriminately with their marauding ‘langa-langa’ without protection.
So, you see, it’s your responsibility to stay out of danger and the government’s responsibility to put in measures to keep you safe, which it has. COVID-19 is not just going to disappear in a day; it will take a while. Social distancing remains important as well as practising good hygiene by washing hands regularly and using hand sanitisers. It is therefore a personal choice to adhere to the guidelines for safety or ignore them and fall prey as a result of foolhardiness.
As the President said some time back, “Our survival is in our hands.” Let’s all adhere strictly to the preventive measures outlined because the alternative is very scary.
Drinking with the boys can wait. Meeting up at the pub to drink or eating out in a restaurant can also wait. Not watching a football match at the stadium will not kill you. If someone desperately wants to get married now and needs you to bless their union with your presence, say no. If saying no ruins your friendship, then so be it.
If none of the above can wait for you, then engage in foolhardiness and go and contract COVID-19, and possibly wait to die. Do remember the pandemic is closer to you than you can ever imagine!
See you next week for another interesting konkonsa, Deo volente!