We are the problem when it comes to COVID-19

Published in El Pais, 19 May 2020.

It seems that many countries are ready to end this lockdown which would normally seem like good news, but the problem is that people are already letting their guard down. I mentioned early how we need to behave once quarantines around the world start to end, continue social distancing, avoid large gatherings and so on but on a trip to the grocery store today there were several things that concerned me that highlight the problem of lifting the lockdown.

Parks. In my province parks were declared open again but not the facilities inside them. Playgrounds, benches, and picnic tables were all still closed and tapped off while gatherings in the park were still strictly forbidden. I took a shortcut through a park to get to a grocery store only to find the park full of people with large gatherings and the closed tape ripped off benches and tables so people can sit at them. Great opportunity for COVID-19 to spread everywhere and I felt like I was looking at a two-week quarantine extension just looking at this park.

Lines at the stores. Stores are limited to 10-30 customers, depending on the size of the store, while the rest must wait outside. Parts of the line had markers to indicate how far apart we should be, and they were respected but once those markers ended people did not seem to care, going well within 2 meters of other people.

Family outings. Speaking of shopping, many were doing that as a family which I find selfish on so many levels. Firstly, you are unnecessarily creating a larger gathering by having your whole family there rather than have a designated shopper. Secondly, if the store can only hold 10 people and you are a family of 5 you are taking up half the amount of allowed people. An extra 4 people must wait in line while you do your grocery shopping.

Masks. I already wrote that we need to get over masks. They protect you but most importantly if you are sick and do not know it the mask will prevent you from spreading it to those around you. At this point wearing a mask in public is more about being a good citizen and not about yourself. Despite this message from health departments all over the world many still do not wear them. In the lineup to the grocery store I saw one other person wearing a mask besides myself, out of 20.

What really bothers me about all this is that their behaviour affects everyone and not just themselves. This is different than someone drinking too much or having an unhealthy diet, your actions can have a negative impact on someone else. I want this quarantine to end as much as the next person and I do think it is possible to do so, but looking around at my fellow man I can tell we are not ready and will not be ready until we start to act responsible.