Inspired by a friend, who wrote a social media post of what has occurred so far as a result of the current pandemic, so that in years to come it will show up on that person’s ‘social feed’ to remind individuals to really appreciate the things in life. This work is my version of the pandemic, so that each and every one of us will know what took place, to appreciate what we ‘really’ have and not to take things in life for granted. Let us remember though, that history is only being repeated, it’s not entirely new, 101 years ago in 1919 was the Spanish flu/influenza epidemic. And we have had other disasters, wars, floods, fires and droughts too. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In mid-2019 it all started, a repeat of history we call it. First droughts, floods, and fires … then came a virus, a global pandemic… They say that in years to come it’ll be a historical event looked back on, so document it, I will. For people to see how we lived and dealt with the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020 a global pandemic hit the world, it came to Australia, The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic it is called. Community events cancelled all around the district, ANZAC Day services, local country shows, tours, concerts, festivals Public gatherings banned, first 500 or more, then 100, 10, now only two! WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Panic buying; first toilet paper, then pasta, flour, bread; limits were enforced. Even hens, seedlings, and seeds; people aim to be more self-sufficient. Social distancing measures are in place, stand 1.5 metres away from me please. Supermarket shelves empty and tape on supermarkets floors too. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Many a restaurant, many a cafe is closed or take away they choose to do. Gyms, sporting venues and cinemas, pubs and clubs, libraries and galleries too. Sports cancelled; football, hockey, bowls, netball, name any sport season, it’s cancelled! Many schools are closed, children now learning online, at home. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Aussies stranded overseas, desperate to get home. Aussie state borders are closed, only essential workers allowed in. Travelled banned – over the Easter long weekend it was still in place. The message is Stay HOME! Stay SAFE! STOP THE SPREAD! WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Place of worships; churches closed, at-home ‘family’ church it became. Services live-streamed. No more than five people at weddings, or weddings postponed. But funerals can’t be delayed, so no more than ten people it is. No gentle hugs and handshakes with those most dear and near. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Petrol prices dropped too, under the dollar, hasn’t occurred for ages ‘Cause all non-essential travel and overseas travel banned, many flights cancelled. Those still returning, into 14-day isolation they did go by law. Travellers in isolation and quarantine, others choosing to self-isolate. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! A cluster announced in the Barossa Valley, a tourist destination, it came a hot spot. Barossa’s wineries and cellar doors are closed to the public too. Streets are unusually quiet, some even bare, no tourists in sight. COVID-19 testing clinics open at centres around the region too. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! All over the media, on the news this pandemic is being reported. In newspapers too, keeping local communities informed. Daily updates and press conferences by the prime minister and premier, is all we hear. People losing their jobs, hospitality and tourism hit hard. People encouraged to work from home. New cases being announced, then came deaths being recorded, loved ones being lost. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! People are seen wearing masks and gloves, now there’s a shortage Of masks, gowns, gloves for essential workers and ventilators for the sick. We need them for our hard-working doctors, nurses and medical staff. They’re essential workers, aiming to save lives, respect and thank them. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! More businesses are forced to close shop; Financial difficulties are being felt Huge line-ups outside Centrelink, Announcements by the government to help support the economy. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Non-essential services closed; day spas, beauty therapists, nail salons and massage parlours. At grocery stores there’s a limited number of people allowed in, Resulting in line-ups outside where security guards meet you To ensure people obey limits and everyone is safe. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Amongst all the battles, some good is being unleashed. People and businesses start thinking outside of the box. To help each and every one survive during these different times. Support local, shop local is the aim for communities. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Families are spending more time together Jobs and chores being achieved at home around the house. People writing letters to those elderly in aged care homes, To bring some joy and delight to those most vulnerable. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Children’s playgrounds and outdoor areas are closed, Encouraging chalk drawings of hope are seen on footpaths. Bears are being displayed in people’s windows, Children go on a bear hunt, to bring a smile to their face. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Communities are banding together to help each other To find new ways of doing those usual normal things. Drive-by birthday parties are the new norm, in place of the party. Social-distancing with family and friends, now by using technology. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Sadly, not all are following the rules, the result? It’ll take longer for ‘normal’ life to resume, isn’t six months long enough? Fines are in place, you’ll be caught. It’s simple, do you want life to be normal again? Then follow the laws and rules and advice of authorities. Stay HOME! Stay SAFE! STOP THE SPREAD! WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! It’s just a reminder of the things we take for granted. Each and every day without our thinking of it. Let us appreciate what we have more now than ever. God is good. God is great. One day life will resume to what it was. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! BE PATIENT! Be PERSISTENCE! Be POSTIVE! Be THANKFUL. Be GRATEFUL. Help each other. Spread the love. Let’s see acts of kindness around the nation. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!! (Posted 14 April, 2020.) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Why take photos of boring signs and bears in windows, and a street? Well, I can't just write words and not provide evidence. This is COVID-19 documented. While, we are still in the situation, I trust that it will all be over before we know. I hope that all who reads this, is staying safe and well and doing the best that they can. #mybarossa #barossa #covid19 #weareallinthistogether #shoplocal #supportlocal #community #stayhome #staysafe #stopthespread
