As we heaved a collective sigh of relief that another ever extending “lockdown” was “unlocked,” the guidelines set in place were with certain restrictions, to ensure that health and safety regulations were followed by all. This in keeping with general worldwide standards was supposedly ‘strictly enforced’ to keep us safe. As much as We needed to savor the re-opening, everyone was keenly aware that the set perimeters were there for a very good reason. Could we ever be able to get back to some sense of perceived normalcy if besieged by the constant threat of new infections?

Cut to a few days later and we were bombarded with images of people thronging the beaches, out for libations at the supposedly ‘not-yet-open’ establishments, and generally parading around town, while having the proverbial ‘get-togethers’ at their homes! Perhaps, a few days passed by and the celebratory numbers increased alarmingly as the ‘get-togethers’ evolved into ‘get-everyone-together!’ Yes, we obviously can and should be around our family, yes, we can and should celebrate birthdays, etc. but shouldn’t this be with the immediate family, so as to limit the risks? Also disturbing was how these moments of merriment had to be shared on social media, showing not only family but June, Jane, and Janet from across the street and across the town, draped on each other for the requisite image capture. Social distancing? Restrictions? What restrictions?

Now don’t get me wrong, we too were home bound and would have loved to venture out, but the guidelines in place were to stop new infection numbers increasing again. I have never been one to socialize relentlessly, and have never felt the need to have people surround me at every meal, but as a family, we too enjoy the occasional societal excursion. We live on an island surrounded by azure oceans, with consistent blue skies, so is the ‘going to the beach’ such an unprecedented novelty that people needed to break ‘inter-provincial’ travel restrictions, rush to the nearest bit of sand to build their (sand) “castles in the air” and prance in the waves? Notoriously having more holidays than most other countries, does the whiff of a long-weekend mean that we must pack our bags, flout the rules and flee our homes? Were we in some post ‘1920’s prohibition’ deja vu that we needed, and I mean absolutely needed, to clamber over each other to sit and sip pretty drinks surrounded by fellow thirsty revelers? We are all in the same situation, wanting to live our best individual lives, but the attitude of “look what I can do because restrictions don’t apply to me”, is just dangerously irresponsible and sadly tacky.

During WW2 with restrictions in place across many nations, the British royal household also followed the same rationing of food items, fabrics, etc. An over zealous set of courtiers were noted marking the bathtubs at Buckingham Palace with ‘water lines’ and removing bulbs from lighting fixtures as guidelines and restriction were for all, no matter who and where. The same took place in the US at the time, as a global crisis was prioritized above personal proclivities. As a nation we need to stand together in (ideally) adhering to the guidelines that were and are in place. We all want to beat this pandemic and come out stronger.

The system of saying “they are breaking the rules so we should do the same” is a base approach that could only lead to worsening the already sensitive situation. As gatherings are now permitted with guidelines, maybe the intrigues are just starting. Those who need to be out and about as much as we need our oxygen are now salivating at the thought of giggles and gaiety. After all what good can all the frothy frocks, and party paraphernalia do, when sitting at home? Guidelines which should be ‘strictly adhered to’ according to official edicts, seem to be a suggestion to many. With some clamoring for the attention of a popping flash, invitations will be accepted with enthusiasm, even to the opening of an envelope! Cramping around cocktails, while indulging in vacant chatter may entertain, but again, shouldn’t health and safety factor in? ‘Prettying oneself’ which could be deemed an ‘essential service’ by some about town, can mean that providing establishments get dangerously over-crowded. After staying “locked” the need for pampering is completely understandable. Anyone who wants to should be able to do their fluffing and preening, wonderful I say, but the rules on ‘capacity’ need to be enforced and followed. All businesses need to get back on their feet, all establishments need to hear their tills trill, but the restrictions, and capacity guidelines need to be in place, for all our safety. Please do go out, patronize the many wonderful businesses out there, spend your money, and do so lavishly, but keep heed that everyone needs to make an effort to follow the stipulated guidelines, be safe and keep those around them safe as well.

As time progresses and more wonderful freedoms are cast upon us, I still plan to be ultra-aware and conservative in my interactions. Ideally, just for a short time, can we collectively move away from the need to “host the most,” edit down the head count and be spatially realistic until the health situation improves? After all temporary temperance could mean the difference between life, and disaster. Keeping in mind that we can go back to the throbbing throngs, if and when the situation evolves to getting the green light. I too wish for times when without worry we sat chair to chair, and could be ‘face-to-face’ literally, when gatherings were filled with exuberance and we could all be seen ‘below the eyes.’ For now each of us can make decisions only for ourselves. We can decide if we want to be part of the pack, or consciously and wisely edit our spheres of interaction. Personally for me, I ask that prudence and caution.... be thou, my guide!