Covid-19 in Odisha: Six months on, fear-stricken residents keep outings to a minimum

BHUBANESWAR: Life has come to a standstill though lockdowns and shutdowns have been relaxed. The fear of contracting the killer virus is forcing people to keep social interactions to a minimum. Also, the fear that there will be no one to offer help if one gets infected has made people asocial.
“I did not even go out to pay my last respects to my aunt who died a few days ago. She was the last surviving member of the previous generation. Then, I could not meet a friend who is sick,” said Annapurna Mohanty (66), a homemaker.
Annapurna said she would not have dreamt of keeping away from these engagements pre-Covid. Six months ago, carrying out plantation drives in her locality and being vocal about civic issues were routine activities for her, as were family functions and meeting up with friends.
Many said they felt suffocated confined to their homes, but added that they would go out only for essentials. “I don’t even go out for morning walks any more. I am afraid to step out for essentials as I know my three-year-old will come running towards me once I am home,” said Pinky Abedin, a mother of two.
Initially during the lockdown, people were excited to spend time with family. Now, however, they feel the need for personal space. Even close relatives don’t want to meet up with each other given the rise in the number of asymptomatic cases. “Although their attitude hurts, I do understand that precautions are important to keep the family safe,” said Pinky, who recently drove down her kids to a nearby dam for an outing. “The children are either studying or watching television. They are also bored but I can’t allow them to go out,” she added.
Online meetings, phone calls and video calls cannot compensate for social meetings. “Such feelings are natural for human beings as social support is important for a person’s well-being. Research has shown that there is a link between good social support and longevity. Interaction with another human being helps in the channelisation of emotions, distraction and diversion of the mind,” said Sangeeta Rath, a professor of psychology.
With people not able to complete important works because of fear of infection, and many offices and banks getting shut for sanitisation, life hasn’t really moved on. “My old-age home project at Pahala has come to a halt. I had initially planned to inaugurate it on Akshya Trutiya,” said a worried Annapurna, who feels that completing the work would get difficult with her advancing age.
But entrepreneur Jagannath Dash (43), who is in the food manufacturing industry and had free pass to move around during the lockdown, has a different take on social isolation. “With many succumbing to Covid, it is better to stay home and stay safe,” said Dash.
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