On midnight 26 March 2020, South Africa entered into a National State of Disaster and a hard lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. As the country marks the first anniversary of the lockdown, we take a trip down memory lane and unravel the Coronavirus’s devastating effects on the economy and communities.
Communities had to deal with the hard lockdown restrictions as they were subjected to minimal shopping, zero outdoor activities and all major stores, businesses, travel, tourism and the entertainment industry were completely shut down. The extended lockdown resulted in job losses as companies downsized staff. Hunger, poverty, homelessness, and an increase in infections and deaths were seen in vulnerable communities, bringing the current death toll to 52 663.
Speaking to The Phoenix Tabloid, Sharleen Pillay, social worker at Durban and Coastal Mental Health, in Phoenix, said: “At a community grass-roots level, I have seen an increase in clients presenting with depressed states stemming from grief and loss. Covid has not allowed for normal grieving and funeral rituals, hence families are struggling to cope. There has been more substance abuse and psychotic breakdowns, people became bored, stressed and turned to cheaper drugs to cope.
“We’ve also seen more domestic violence and abuse of children during the lockdown. Mental health has been greatly affected by Covid-19 as the lockdown came as a shock to the mental well- being of everyone. People became uncertain about the present and future, fearing the unknown. The unemployment rate increased, people turned to drugs and alcohol, went through relationship challenges, were compelled and struggled to adjust to a new routine and were unable to deal with increased anxiety,” added Pillay.
Covid survivor, Yanush Maharaj said he could not recall where he had contracted Covid-19. “I contracted the virus during the first wave in May 2020, I had a stuffy nose but didn’t think much of it, I assumed that the first symptoms of the virus were a high fever and a cough, of which I did not have. The stuffiness did not go away and after a while, I went to the doctor who advised me to get a test done, even though I did not present with symptoms. When my results came back as Covid-19 positive, my emotions ran wild to a point where I was sobbing uncontrollably. I had to face my worst nightmare and that was to tell my family and colleagues at work that I tested positive for Covid-19. I told everyone and immediately all those who were in contact with me went for testing.”
Maharaj said that the symptoms got worse and the dreaded fever erode his body day and night. “I was admitted to hospital, and a few days later developed pneumonia in my lungs. In and out of a hallucinogenic haze, I received medication to treat my symptoms via IV drips, I did not want to eat and sometimes threw up what little I had taken in. My thoughts were all over the place, I missed my family, I could not speak to anyone as we were not allowed visitors.
“My only companions were the nurses and doctors who remained faceless behind their PPEs. I got better steadily, because I would not give up and leave my parents without their sole supporter. I prayed continuously and spoke to God throughout the three weeks in hospital. My lungs and heart have been scarred by the ravages of the virus. Emotionally I am stronger, I feel less worried about myself and more for my parents.
“I plan each day and live it to the fullest, smile and laugh more. I felt the virus take away my life and I took it back through faith in God and the strength of the prayers from my family and friends. I am a Covid-19 survivor,” said Maharaj.
Long-distance truck driver, Avinash Chettiar, 52, said he was at a loss for words after
being informed that he will be receiving his last pay check and could thereafter collect unemployment benefits. “All I knew was to be a driver. 20 years of hopes and dreams, washed away due to the coronavirus. My mind was racing thinking about my two daughters who attend high school and tertiary education and how I was going to pay for the housing bond, buy food and pay monthly bills.
“The virus left me without means to look after my family. For the first two months I
got through just paying the electricity and water bills and buying food, then when the unemployment funds finally kicked in I could only pay the bills and couldn’t afford
to buy food. We sought assistance from friends, family and churches who were kind enough
to give us food hampers that kept us going,” said Chettiar.
Chettiar said that he is now doing gardening work to help with his family’s needs. “Each day is a new one that I thank God I am alive, but my heart is in shreds as things are not the way they used to be,” added Chettiar.
As the country is gradually opening up, President Cyril Ramaphosa says it’s time to rebuild the economy, noting that the task will be an immense one. Stall holders at the Phoenix Millenium Market said they were affected when they closed for several months and were still experiencing the after-effects of the lockdown. Sabeetha Bansilall said: “When the stalls closed we suffered immensely. We couldn’t pay rent or our bills. The business has not yet picked up, sometimes we go home without making a single sale.”
Another stall holder, Roshnee Maharaj, 68, who has been working at the market for 21 years said: “When the market finally opened, only one gate was opened and was used as an entry and exit point which affected us more. All the gates were only opened last month but people are still not coming to buy from us.” Moideen Essop, a stall holder, said he couldn’t operate for six months because of tobacco restrictions.
“It’s been hard to rebuild and get back our customers – nobody is willing to come up to the market. Lockdown level one has made a small impact, there are some avenues that have been opened up now where we are getting customers but it’s not as frequent as it used
to be. We are carrying on with the grace of God but it’s been a bad year for all of us. We are hoping that once the country is fully opened up, we are going to see a difference in business.”
While Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to be reported, the roll-out of vaccines brings hope. Whetstone resident and healthcare worker at Nu Shifa Hospital, Sharm Gounden, who recently received the vaccine said: “At first I was scared to receive the vaccine after hearing negative feedback from other countries. But I had to make a decision between getting infected with the virus or getting the vaccine and protecting myself and those around me from Covid.
“The experience was overwhelming. After getting vaccinated, I had a few side effects which is normal – I had a pain where I received the injection, a slight fever and a headache.”
Gounden added that she is grateful to the South African government for providing the vaccines free of charge and advised the public not to adopt a negative attitude towards the vaccine as their lives depend on it. The total number of healthcare workers vaccinated to date is 231 605.
