Since schools have been suspended since March 16th, many people have been in quarantine for the past four weeks. Yes, FOUR weeks of staying home with the kids 24/7, not going to school, clubs, or even to visit their grandparents in fear of getting infected with coronavirus, or help spread the disease to those with less fortunate immune systems.
However, while it seems like the logical and responsible thing to do is stay home, many Egyptians are being extremely reckless, selfish and irresponsible. Yesterday, I needed to pick something up from Maadi and I was astonished to find that the ring road was at a standstill due to the amount of cars on it. It made me question: Who is actually staying at home?
Picture taken by Rahet Bally Member on the ring road
Over the past week, stories on Instagram have been showing many people gathering in compounds disregarding all kinds of social responsibility. We’re not talking 1 or 2 people keeping a good distance between them. No, it’s more like 20-30 people all sitting close together, sharing food and not even bothering to wear masks or gloves.
Disclaimer: Photo used as reference only. Source: Local Guide Egypt
We’re talking about supposedly educated people from the upper class as most of these gatherings happen within compounds. My question to you is: Where is your social responsibility?
- The entire world is on lockdown.
- It’s a GLOBAL pandemic.
- Borders between countries have been shut down.
- Schools have been closed and exams have been canceled.
- Many people have been let go.
- Businesses have gone bankrupt.
- Many people have died.
- Doctors and medical workers have lost their lives trying to save coronavirus infected patients.
And you think you’re the only person who can’t take it and so decide to just be selfish and live in a parallel universe disregarding your social responsibility towards your community, your country, and putting yourself, your family and those around you at risk.
Last week, a compound in New Cairo, Lake View, even had the nerve to organize a social gathering for its owners and put its residents at risk. And of course, because everyone is bored out of their minds, it ended up hosting a large number of people at the same time, in the same place as if coronavirus did not exist.
While there are many people who work in jobs who cannot afford to stay home, it is very irresponsible for those disregarding the rules completely just because they’re getting bored.
Every time I leave home to run an errand, I find myself asking myself over and over again: Am I the only one staying home?
Please remember that some people are risking their lives and being separated from their loved ones as a result of the current situation.
Please remember that each person has an individual responsibility from stopping the virus from spreading.
Please remember that when we actually stay home, at some point this will be over! Or, else it will be an ongoing situation.
It’s time to stop being selfish and stay home.
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