Reaching Out - Week 4 - May 3, 2020 - An Eventful Week

An eventful week for our Storytellers, who seek comfort in music, food and family

BY G P Kennedy

 The common feelings around the world this week are boredom and insecurity. As the lockdown drags on it is difficult for many to see when and how all of this will end. When will the world return to ‘normal’, we wonder? Will the world after lockdown look and feel the same?

 As some national and local governments start to talk seriously about phased reopening of business, and society by extension, some are left wondering whether profits are being put ahead of people?

 Meanwhile some things can still be relied upon to form a framework for normality/reality; Ramadan commenced since we last checked in with our Storytellers; an earthquake rocked Tokyo and its surrounds.

Events, like time, wait for no one as Turkey celebrated a centenary; (most) New Yorkers stepped outside wearing masks; while food shortages have started to cause concern and unrest in Karachi and Lagos; in London the U.K’s Prime Minister emerges from his country retreat after recovering from Covid-19; and Perth is sending its kids back to their schools.

We start this week in West Africa where Peace has had a busy week trying to safeguard a continent, while looking to eat healthily, and take time out to remember some of those who have died recently.

Peace – Lagos, Nigeria

 Busy week working on the phone, Google hangouts, Zoom meetings, we still have the call for entries on going for the awards, it ends in May we may extend to June because of the Pandemic.

 There is a total lockdown; people are not allowed to move around.  But people are violating the lockdown; the frustration is beginning to set in.

 Masks have been made mandatory for everyone from the 26/4/2020 all over Nigeria so we are going to see how we can help people get masks to use and make it meet the minimum WHO requirements.

 We have a spike up in the Northern part of Nigeria and this is worrisome we have figures of 150-600 uncertified deaths in Kano State, We are monitoring this as well as some other states with the international observation team am working with at the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, Mapping the issues around Coronavirus is Key to how we can help Africa survive this pandemic especially the most vulnerable. The latest stats show that over 90million Nigerians live on the poverty line so it means that most of these won’t be able to buy the required masks. The Government of Burkina Faso has made this a law as well.

 I actually just tried to read books this week and watch some of the films my students say they have on You Tube, some of the films are pure torture and some actually are good story lines but need so much work in reworking the script. So I think I may do an online class on script if this lockdown continues.

This week I tried to wean myself off coke so I had lots of lemon and hot water, coffee of course and a couple of cokes but not as much as before. I had a healthy week this week not much appetite though.

It was a week one got to realize how devastating this pandemic has been on the Black community in the UK and quite a lot of people are sick, some people are sick but hiding it because of the stigma that seems to be attached t COVID19

 I have to believe that this too shall pass as the number increased this week past our 1000 patients number, with my knowledge that we just don’t have the number of ICU beds required. I had to double up on my faith. Security has been a major issue for most people as robbers have been on the rampage I live in a quite a secure environment, however we still have to have added attention to the security.  Now make sure my dogs are released every midnight come in at your peril.

Music feeds my soul: listened to as many Prince songs as I could all week to motivate me. I also listened to a remake of my late brothers song A Million Roses.

 Prior to this Pandemic I had lost so many people back on back. So I looked back at the losses and realized how much I missed them and I really missed my brother Michael so much, we would be working together right now discussing solutions he would probably be on the plane jumping around West African countries, as he was a special envoy. Thankful to have Mum and my other brothers to have discussions

 I made my special jollof rice this week with chicken. Finally got some plantain and fresh fish, which hadn’t been able to get any in for a few weeks.

 We are waiting to hear from our President if there is going to be another extension the lock down.  We think there will be, our work is still cut out to help the most vulnerable people who need help but there is this assumption by many in that bracket that Coronavirus only affects the rich, The holy month of Ramadan has started and with it comes many challenges with our Muslim brothers and sisters who are used to congregating for lectures, prayers and eating together at this time.

Ian & Minako – Tokyo

 We are both very well thanks to the warmer and brighter weather and vibrant greenery all around us.

 The number of daily reported cases for Tokyo has gone down ranging between 102 and 161 per day. There have been 93 deaths so far. Nationally there have been over 13,050 cases and 348 deaths.

 There is still too much close contact, nowhere near the required 80% reduction, too many workplaces and some drinking establishments are open but it's improving very gradually.

There have been reports from tourist spots, especially on the coast not far from Tokyo of them being very busy with weekend visitors and traffic jams. Similar to the situation in other countries where the start of lockdown lead to national parks having their busiest days ever! There are so many joggers around it’s difficult to avoid them, they really need to wear something to cover their mouths as they breath so heavily as they pass us. Please wear masks or bandana face covering even when walking or running.

 The government is sending out 2 masks to every household in the country. This plan has been quite controversial and met with skepticism and satirical comments. Is it really the best use of 9 billion yen? (Initially it was reported the cost will be 46 billion yen and later somehow reduced but it is still a significant amount)

The masks are made of cloth so are re-usable but people say they are already far too small which can be seen from the pictures of Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe wearing one, it was mocked as  ‘Abenomask’ playing on the term “Abenomics” and also they shrink even more after the first wash. Many of the first batch sent out to care facilities and expecting mothers had to be recalled, as they were defective. Some won’t get theirs until end of May; people have already found alternative sources or making their own.  Meantime, one of the electronic giants, Sharp announced the online sale of disposable surgical masks. By the time all the Abenomasks arrive to the public, there may not be a shortage of masks anymore!

 As we write this everything in the room shakes for about 10 seconds as there’s a fairly intense earthquake centered in Ibaraki, not far from Tokyo. There’s no damage but it’s a timely reminder that viruses are not the only things we have to worry about. So there are loudspeakers everywhere in Japan to make announcements about hazards. Now every few days a softly spoken female voice reminds everyone that there is a national emergency and people should only go out for essentials or health reasons. It’s often difficult to hear above the noise of so many kids, adults and barking dogs playing in the park – the irony!

 A patrol car with a loudspeaker also drives around the perimeter of the park just once a day.

Just yesterday the park rangers cordoned off all the children’s playground equipment – slides, swings, climbing frames and sandpits. It looks sad but we have certainly been concerned at the number of children and their parents grasping the rails etc. one after the other and far too close to each other for long periods.

 A highlight for the week was having a takeaway meal from a local veggie friendly eatery delivered to our door by the proprietor himself! This is something we never do normally as vegan takeaways are rare anyway. But now local restaurants switched to takeaway only and we feel grateful that this eatery started delivering during the stay home restrictions. It’s good to support them and it’s a special treat for us!

 This week there is the news that an annual event that we really enjoy each June in our town has been postponed until the autumn. “Chasampo” (tea stroll) involves around 100 shops and other spaces in the neighborhood that provide free tea to people who can gently stroll around the town trying out different teas whilst surveying the items for sale or joining in workshops. It’s a shame that it won’t be happening this time but we really hope that we are safe to go out and enjoy the tea stroll later this year.

Tassy – Karachi, Pakistan

 Cases have been rising steadily in Pakistan despite the country being in lockdown for the past 6 weeks. The Government decided on extending the lockdown further, until 9th May. Even though congregational prayers in all Islamic countries have been banned, in Pakistan it has been allowed with strict Standard Operating Procedures. Only a few days into the holy month of Ramadan, a number of clerics have already violated these rules. Pakistan is still at a nascent stage as far as the virus is concerned, as only 11,000 cases have been registered in a country of 220 million people. Driven by economic compulsions, the Government’s easing of pressure on some businesses by allowing a ‘selective’ lockdown approach last week has not completely worked as there has been some disagreement between what measures are to be enforced by different provinces in the country. Pakistan is not the only country facing the dilemma of easing economic pressure. Many seem to be in a similar situation in deciding when and which businesses should be allowed to operate to allow some opening of economic activities.

 The results of a recent survey across urban and rural Pakistan has shown that 56% of people are still not avoiding crowded places. 2 in 3 Pakistanis are self-sufficient in their food needs, while 9% need some form of formal aid. This accounts for a staggering 18 million people in the country that are reliant on others for food. Children are being subjected to more maltreatment at home during this time and there has also been an increase in fights between married couples. The issue seems to be more profound in larger and uneducated families living in cramped conditions.

 On a more personal note, my sleep that was already suffering due to some anxiety during the last few weeks has become further disrupted as a result of waking at 4am for Sehri, the pre-dawn meal during Ramadan. Even though I get to nap for a while afterwards, my sleep remains broken. I have now accepted the lack of deep sleep as my new norm, and this acceptance has now made me less concerned about the quality of my sleep.

 Overall, there have been no significant changes in my feelings over the week. I have not had any particular highs or lows. I have been content. It has been quiet and I have not been frustrated or felt any great urge to go out and socialize. I have slowly become accustomed to my new routine, and adept at online shopping for things I desperately need. I have started fasting from sunrise to sunset in observation of the holy month of Ramadan. Spirituality is helping me come to terms with these new norms, which I believe might remain for longer than expected. I have realized that there is no point in planning life after lockdown. It’s more important to think about how to best live life with the new routine.

Gul – Istanbul, Turkey

 This is surreal, I say to myself. Just surreal. We’re thrown into a situation that we’ve never been in before. We are no longer under normal circumstances. We don’t know what we are doing in a month. We’re stuck in the present. Being at home all the time, we’re making small discoveries; we have started to notice details that we’d never seen before. The neighbors just opposite have a cat. We also have seen the faces of some neighbors for the first time. Now, we’re waving each other.

Sad news - lots of small business closing down. I’m wondering what’s happening with my hairdresser, local café or stationary shop. They probably may need more support from government to survive. I hope they can.

 We were supposed to be going to our second home these days but we’re banned to leave Istanbul until mid of May (probably will extend to the end of May) we don’t know what we’re going to do. It will be healthier for us if we’re allowed to go there. We usually plan to spend half of the year away from the city so we’ve been renting this house with a garden by the beach. If you live in a two-bed city flat, you knew what does it mean to us. We were there until late October last year and actually my husband didn’t want to return to the city but I insisted. I wouldn’t live away from all the things that the city has offer. I think I said too much.

 The number of people infected with the coronavirus in Turkey is over 100,000 with death toll reaching almost 2500. The death toll is likely far higher than what’s been reported.

 23^rd of April Turkey celebrated 100th anniversary of national assembly that paved the way to an independent, secular and modern republic. I think because of the common fear, this epidemic brought us together and his year’s festival was celebrated for the first time with enthusiasm. Because of the curfew, councils arranged open buses, rode the streets all day long, playing marches. People got on the balconies, waved flags, applauded and accompanied the marches. I’ve never seen such excitement on our street.

 I’m still working out the best way of shopping: I ordered 30 tins of tomato puree by mistake. I didn’t realize they were packs of 6 and ordered 5 of them.

One good thing being stuck at home that we’re saving money. We’re unable to dinner out that we used to do a lot. On the other hand, we buy more quality food, more organic veg and fruit now.

Espe – Perth, Australia

 I’m good and the family is well.  I will admit I am a little apprehensive and even somewhat anxious about my return to work and the kids return to school.  Schools are going to open for term 2 this week and we have had a lot of government leaders announcing this decision saying it is a   decision made from the best medical advice. Yet I am aware the social distancing rules/laws still apply to other situations. I do not feel comfortable with the decision.  I think it is too soon to open schools and potentially put children at risk. I will reluctantly send my own children to their school, as I have not other choice. 

 I only hope they will be safe. Australia has 6,711 confirmed cases, 83 deaths and 5,541 recovered covid-19 cases.

 The highlight of the week was family movie and pizza night - we watched Dumb and Dumber. 

 Hearing the media coverage (every day) how we are now safe to send our kids to school.  Yet other restrictions remain the same. This does not add up to me.  Could this change in Australia’s direction of Covid-19 management be all about saving the economy?

 This week’s national events, highlights the power of money in the world we live in.

Daniel – New York City, USA

 I’m doing fine. Still really engaged in the process of making things, which I’m both really enjoying and, I suspect, is therapeutic as well. For years, I’ve been really interested in the idea of the micro audience, the idea that there are things that are really interesting/funny/meaningful to just a few people, or just one other person. Thirty years ago I was taking part in a 10K run in Central Park with my friend Sally. And, along there was a course worker who was just barking at the runners - saying things that were borderline hostile. And my friend and I always remembered that - it was this funny, shared memory. But about ten years after that I came upon that same course worker in a completely different - and very surprising, almost shocking - context. I laughed out loud. And I knew that there was only one person I could call and tell about it - only one person who’d find it as funny as I did - so I called Sally and told her and she thought it was hilarious. And that was the life of that story.

I bring this up because most of the things I’m making right now - videos, photos, songs - are really just intended for a few friends. I make them, I share them, and that’s it. And, after a lifetime of trying to get my work out to a large audience, there’s something very liberating about it, this idea of not worrying about pleasing the masses, but just making things that - hopefully - will distract my friends from the stress for a few minutes.

 Have to say that I haven’t really been tuned into the news that much this week. Our idiot president suggested that people drink disinfectants, but I think everyone in the world knows about that. The hope now is that he’s so unstable - and such a liability to the Republican party in the fall elections - that many of the dangerous Republicans who’ve supported him may walk away. We’ll see.

 This was the first full week of the facemasks. So what you’re seeing right now is the beginning of the shaming, people on the street shaking their heads in disapproval if you’re not wearing a mask. More than anything else, I think it’s providing an outlet for people who are usually cranky about one thing or another to actually voice that crankiness. There was a flyer taped to a light pole around the corner that said - and I’m paraphrasing - “Dear Yuppie Scum. When you jog without a mask...” And my concern is that, as this goes on, we’re going to see class divides and conflict between people on the street. I’m already noticing various varieties of street hassle as it gets later in the day.

 Oh yeah: there are rats everywhere.

 Absolute highlight of the week was shooting a short dance film with someone I went to high school with who I hadn’t seen since 1983. We’d talked via Facebook about doing something together on and off for a few years, but there were a sort of confluence of events that pulled it all together this week. Shot it in a secluded part of Central Park, so it looks like he’s dancing in the middle of a forest. The whole thing was a real thrill.

 I’m having some physical issues related to how much time I’m spending sitting. I mean, I’m running every day, but I’m realizing how much good my usual walking - 4-5 miles a day - does. So now I’m walking more.

 The US government is stranding people. There is no safety net; there is very little protection. So, while the rich will be just fine, there are millions of people who are going to be devastated by this, many of whom will never truly recover. I’m not sure that’s being reported on enough.

Sally – London, UK

 I am starting to get bored of all of this now and I am desperately missing my family back in Liverpool and I know they are really missing the baby especially since she turned one on Thursday. I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to make it a special day for her but we managed to get personalized decorations from Amazon (yay! for home delivery services) and although we still couldn’t get any flour from any of our local shops, we made her a cake from a packet mix, which actually turned out a lot better that expected. We FaceTimed both sides of the family in the morning so they could all see her with the cake and say Happy Birthday, the poor kid didn’t know what the hell was going on but hey she got her first taste of cake so didn’t mind ha-ha.

 Some friends came to visit as part of the daily exercise, they cycled to our house to drop the presents off then we spoke across the front lawn from our 2 meter safe distance for about 30 minutes so they could see her open her gifts.  Not sure how “legal’ that was but we all kept safe and it was lovely just to see friends in real life and not over the Internet.

 Some newspapers say the number of Covid 19 related deaths this week has ‘flattened off’ so maybe we have passed our peak? But then others are saying we should expect a second wave?  I don’t think anyone really knows what is happening or what the future will bring.  I think we just need to ride it out. Our Prime Minister went missing… well he was recuperating and wasn’t in public sight for a few days. We finally got our first payment of benefits from the government, which takes a lot of pressure off us now that we know we can pay rent and bills.

 Everyone is still keeping well and sticking to the one walk a day rule and only visiting shops when necessary, but from speaking to them all I know they are in the same boat as me in starting to feel bored and hemmed in. My sister and her husband turned their house into a bar crawl for their 4 kids, they decorated each room as a different type of pub, Craft Beer Garden, 80’s Disco, Chill Out Room etc.  They all got dressed differently for each venue and play different types of music, I got sent all the videos and it looked amazing.  Her girls loved it. 

 Thursdays are still #clapforourcarers nights, we are waving to more and more people in our street and having more conversations over the hedges, its great way to bring the community together and meet your neighbors.

 We have watched every episode on Better Call Saul on Netflix since lockdown and now need to find something else.  Bring on Tiger King!

Talking to some colleagues and trying to work out how the media industry will reopen and when we can start working again.  Will we all have to be checked before we go into a studio, what if we haven’t caught it, will we ever be allowed to work, how will they manage on TV program that have studio audiences, will TV and my job ever be the same again?