Visiting my local IGA supermarket last week I was disappointed to see a few customers not wearing masks. I couldn't help but notice their naked faces among a sea of eyes I have involuntarily become accustomed to. I was told this happens periodically infact, only that morning a maskless couple with a young baby visited the store, adamantly unwilling to conform. It just so happened police were in close vicinity and pulled them aside, however the undaunted couple continued to complete their shopping before leaving the premises. Mask or no mask, why would these parents put their infant at risk when it only takes one person to shop?
Sometimes customers enter the supermarket while talking on their phones or daydreaming and forget to sign in with either the Victorian government check-in app or on paper, both of which are prominently situated just inside the shop's entrance. The astute staff take notice of this and politely remind these people to do the right thing. While most cooperate, some shoppers blatantly lie, stating they registered when they did no such thing. Checking in is imperative to manage Corona virus contact tracing if the need arises.
Furthermore, I was informed customers sporadically scold one another for not obeying safety measures, while staff too, are often abused in the process, yet these issues are not isolated to the Tarwin Lower supermarket. In communication with other local stores, these unpleasant situations occur across the board.
The majority of IGA supermarkets are family-owned businesses. If they needed to close due to shoppers' negligence, it would prove a serious problem to us all. The entire staff would be required to enter isolation, while shops would be forced shut for thorough cleaning and sanitising. The adverse impact on our small communities would be considerably dire on many levels.
Luisa, the Tarwin Lower IGA proprietor along with her husband, claimed "Employers endeavour to create a safe environment for their staff and customers. Thankfully the majority of shoppers comply. It's typically a hand full of challenging people who rebel and just don't seem to take this harmful and unpredictable Corona virus seriously."
I admit, I find it a nuisance to clutch my phone, mask, shopping bag, list, purse and car keys as I make my way across the supermarket carpark, all the while wishing I had more hands. Often I annoyingly forget one or the other and find myself retracing my steps. However, this is a part of our unfavourable, (hopefully) temporary situation. If it keeps us safe and moves us toward normalcy, isn't it worth the effort?
Let's get back to masks. It is stipulated at present face masks must be worn by anyone twelve years and over indoors and outdoors at all times, unless we are at home with the usual occupants, or exercising strenuously enough to exert ourselves. Some people, of course, are excused by lawful exemptions for various health reasons, yet some without masks, conveniently and wrongly voice this justification when confronted.
I have yet to meet anyone who enjoys wearing face masks. I feel they erect walls between ourselves and others, concealing imparting, valid, non-verbal communication through our facial expressions. While our eyes may now be more deeply observed and regarded, conversations can be hindering. Often it's difficult to hear or understand a person, not to mention how uncomfortable masks are to our natural breath. Nevertheless, face masks, which reduce the risk of infection, protect not only ourselves, but those around us.
The Covid-19 virus is transmitted predominantly by inhalation or respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe. Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets, which is essentially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic infected carriers, who feel well and may be unaware of their contagion to others.
We have been extremely fortunate in Gippsland with minimal Corona virus diagnoses over the past eighteen months, but we mustn't become complacent. We're all aware of how quickly this virus can spread, especially the dreaded Delta strain. It's in our best interests to remain motivated and on high alert to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
I'm certain most of us are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by this drawn out, inconvenient way of life. The 'peek-a-boo' lockdown games are agitating and draining. Imagine though, just for a moment, lying in an intensive care bed desperately clinging to every breath with the assistance of a ventilator, or praying for a dying loved one in hospital, who you can't even visit to kiss goodbye. THAT would be overwhelming!
Yes, we live in a democratic society, but isn't it our civil duty to do whatever we can to collectively minimise and suppress this malicious Corona virus? The only and quickest way to keep our region safe and regain some lifestyle normality is to abide by the protective protocols imposed. Use common sense, continue to diligently wear masks, practice good hygiene, adhere to social distancing, check or sign in wherever you venture and get Covid tested if you feel unwell.
... and PLEASE have the jab, so our suffering, anguished world can safely, finally come out of hiding!
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