Dear Dairy,

A sigh of relief for us all. These are my thoughts for 28/10/2020. It is a day to remember. Even more so for metropolitan Melbourne having to endure the media named “harshest lock down in the world” or words stretching to that effect. Quite dramatic. But when is news media ever not? 

I know these recent changes will make a lot of lives much easier but secretly I foresee a slight reigning in of the freedoms. Not that I want it to happen but it won’t take much to change the course of action, whether it may mean further loosening of restrictions or for it to go the opposite direction. Since that fateful day, almost instantaneously, diligence and cautiousness around mask wearing has waned. Masks are still required and I see people that pretend to wear one or not wear it properly at all. If you’re that opposed to masks, just don’t even wear one and take the fine. Seriously. 

On the stroke of midnight, lines of people outside Kmart like waiting entry for a club. Proclaiming how they just can’t wait to shop. For all the advancement of modern society, buying cheap disposal crap is up there. 

Yes it’s been tough and there is no disputing that

I truly cannot being to understand how some may have felt during this period. If there was one thing I’ve noticed is the entitlement of many loud voices. By that I mean generally a  lack of patience and willingness to temporarily sacrifice our comforts. There are other things of course like businesses and basic survival. What I am attempting to address are those that believe it was such an imposition that it took away human rights. While it cannot compare, many sacrifices had to be made during periods of war by everyone for a much longer time. This wasn’t the Great Depression forcing austerity measures and rationing among us. 

And another thing; blaming doesn’t lead to solutions. Either be part of the solution or don’t insert yourself.

While I can be a negative Nancy, what we have gone through and achieved is nothing to dismiss. While armchair critics may be quick to dismiss the effectiveness (relative), the bigger picture needs to be taken in. Not just within our national borders. There are many other places in the world that would envy to be in our position at the moment. Envy for our relatively low rates of deaths. Or maybe even envy for a lockdown to contain transmission. Looking in the news, Ireland, France and Germany (parts of the country) are going back into lockdown. 

I sincerely hope that we don’t forget our sacrifices and unravel. For now, get on the beers.