TO GET TESTED OR NOT TO GET TESTED.

Three months of strict lockdowns and health guidelines are now slowly starting to ease for us in the ‘Land Down Under’. We have had a tough time of it for sure and lost loved ones in the most painful way. There have been jobs lost, livelihoods and homes put in jeopardy and education put on a slow burn but it has been nowhere near as tough as other countries have had it. Are we the ‘lucky country’ as stated in our Aussie mantra or are we more conforming to the rules so that, in the long term, we don’t lose the Aussie spirit and lifestyle that we so enjoy and is envied as we move forward and out of this crisis? Who can say?

Saying all that though, as the restrictions and lockdowns ease, are we becoming complacent? Have we had enough of all these rules? Has the isolation from friends, colleagues and especially family finally got to us? Can we cope without those hugs from dear friends we have missed, do handshakes from respected colleagues really confirm our place in the workplace but most of all, can grandparents and carers go for much longer without the little arms round the neck to say ‘I love you’ , little legs to climb on knees to hear the favourite story or just a kindly touch on the arm to say ‘we are still here’?  Isolation is one thing and I think for many it has been a time of peace and reflection, for others, maybe not but what it has shown is that people crave company from others.  Some have to have someone by their side or in their circle as a constant and can’t cope without the interaction, others enjoy occasional company and for others, it may not be immediate company but just walking through a shopping centre where people mill around is enough. But…. when we experience that tickle in the throat or that unexpected cough or the annoying sniff…….do we or don’t we get tested?  Is it a case of “she’ll be right mate” or ‘I can’t be bothered’ as that would mean telling the girl at the paper shop counter who served you this morning and the bus driver who nodded to you this morning as you hopped on for the few stops and the neighbour who stopped for a chat on the way up the garden path. Is it too much of a bother? Will I waste someone’s time? Will the test hurt?

Who will you hurt if you don’t? It’s a dilemma. Decision time and only you can know what’s right for the situation.

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