Though India has extended the lockdown till May 18 (it began on March 25), there is considerable relaxation in areas which have seen no, or very low cases, designated as green and orange zones.
In fact, 90% of Bengaluru should be limping back to normality from today with many commercial establishments opening.
My house falls in a ward that has seen no positive cases, but my district is in the red zone since a few other wards in the district have seen a high number of cases.
Since my ward is in the green zone, many people will try to get back to their normal routine in my locality from today. I can already hear the sound of quite a few vehicles plying.
Following the latest government order, our apartment association took a decision a couple of days ago to allow in domestic helps but with strict controls and monitoring. But the fact is everyone is hesitating to make the first move and ask them to come back.
No one wants to change the new status quo if they have an option not to.
In fact, we initially thought we would ask our maid to come, but later we changed our mind. That is because there is no necessity -- we are managing with cooking and cleaning, and the maid (who has been with us for nearly 15 years) is being paid her usually salary though she hasn't been working.
Also, we thought let us see how the situation pans out, now that from today many people who have no option would begin to move around and get back to work.
The rule of thumb is don't be in a hurry to go back to the old ways; wait, watch, and restore normality in a phased manner.
In fact, 90% of Bengaluru should be limping back to normality from today with many commercial establishments opening.
My house falls in a ward that has seen no positive cases, but my district is in the red zone since a few other wards in the district have seen a high number of cases.
Since my ward is in the green zone, many people will try to get back to their normal routine in my locality from today. I can already hear the sound of quite a few vehicles plying.
Following the latest government order, our apartment association took a decision a couple of days ago to allow in domestic helps but with strict controls and monitoring. But the fact is everyone is hesitating to make the first move and ask them to come back.
No one wants to change the new status quo if they have an option not to.
In fact, we initially thought we would ask our maid to come, but later we changed our mind. That is because there is no necessity -- we are managing with cooking and cleaning, and the maid (who has been with us for nearly 15 years) is being paid her usually salary though she hasn't been working.
Also, we thought let us see how the situation pans out, now that from today many people who have no option would begin to move around and get back to work.
The rule of thumb is don't be in a hurry to go back to the old ways; wait, watch, and restore normality in a phased manner.
We do the same here in France. Officialy we are supposed to go back to"normal" May 11th, but not us in our area. Red zone. But people from green zone are not very happy to let their kids go back to school too early. Wait and see ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - it's good to know you're taking the long view for your selves as well as your maid ... especially as she has her regular wage - which will help her family and those in her area. Take care ... we're still in the process of decision time. Hilary
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteCommon sense, you speak, sir! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Thank you :-)
DeleteLooks like a good plan for now Pradeep. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteHi Arti - Thank you :-)
DeleteVery wise words. And how wonderful that the maid is still on salary. I applaud you, and wish you and yours all the best.
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - Thanks for those kind words. The maid isn't coming for no fault of hers. A number of my friend are also paying their maids. She should be back with us may be next week, or latest the week after that when the lockdown is expected to be fully lifted.
DeleteBetter to not rush and go slow than regret later.
ReplyDeleteI'm really worried that opening things back up too quickly is going to cause another spike in cases. It's good that you're paying your maid even if she's not coming in. It's things like that that will keep people from taking unnecessary risks and going out because they need the money.
ReplyDeleteThe main question is, has this passed? We'll see. Hopefully things are contained.
ReplyDeleteIt is the same everywhere.Hasten slowly is the mantra.
ReplyDeleteHi KP - My guess is that things will be like this only for quite some time. Caution is the word.
DeleteWe'll have to be careful for a while. It is best to keep minimal contact even now. Nice of you to continue to pay the maid. Let's hope the situation comes under control soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Dashy - Quite right. Hopefully things will slowing get better. Let us keep our fingers crosssed.
DeleteWe are in the red zone and there have been talks about letting the domestic help come in. I am not sure either..I agree with you..go slow, no rush. We have manged so far and can do so for some more time. Stay safe
ReplyDeleteHi My Space - Life can't be same again. There are going to be a whole lot of changes even after the lockdown is completely lifted. Like in restaurants and cinemas etc.
DeleteIn the part of Australia that I'm in we've begun to slowly relax some restrictions - but with social distancing in mind. Whatever our new normal is going to look like it needs to be phased and gradual. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - Yes, life won't the same again. Social distancing will be the key. Thank you for your comments.
DeleteTo allow domestic helpers or not is a very difficult decision especially for senior citizens and those with any physical challenges. Pune is in the red zone but some relaxations given. I guess a step wise exit is required and most importantly people have to understand and follow a new lifestyle. Masks, sanitisers, social distancing, frequent hand washing and so on..Stay Safe! Stay Well!
ReplyDeleteHi Archana - There are a lot of people who need help at home. It's tough for them. Even after lockdown is lifted, we must make sure that we take adequate precautions, as your rightly said.
DeleteThank you for visiting my blog and for your comments.
Meanwhile in Australia most people can't wait for life to get back to normal. They relaxed some of the restrictions like allowing people to do non-essential shopping and the shops are busy!
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - Glad to know that Australia did manage to contain the spread quite effectively, and there are some relaxations. I am sure everywhere people are getting a weird feeling because of the enforced home confinement.
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ReplyDeleteNormalcy is a far reaching dream,I think Pradeep. It may take time. Let's wait patiently for Nature to cure this pandemic
ReplyDeleteHi Sarala - Yes, it will take some time for normality to return. Take care.
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