Life during self-quarantine at home

When I moved to Bangalore from nearly thirty-two years of living on the Coromandel Coast and a small town of Tamilnadu, I was looking forward to saying good-bye to hot and humid weather, busy academic life, shuttling between Chidambaram and Bangalore to visit my daughter and almost a social distancing life. As we were looking at houses to rent/buy, we came upon a lovely property, an affordable vast residential complex (Sobha Dream Acres), nestled at the junction of the Whitefield area, amid open area everywhere, there is a MIG apartment out of a luxury environment and a very decent area away from main traffic, and so, of course, we decided to get a unit and stay here near to our daughter's home in the same complex.

I retired in 2019 after teaching pharmaceutical technology for 32 years at a University in Tamilnadu. In July after I retired, my old student asked me if I could do a supportive role in building a newly established pharmacy college. Since August 2019 I have been associated with that college and I would like to thank the management and acting dynamic principal there in giving me to exercise absolute freedom the way I want to teach subjects and support the college. I have to say that working with the leadership there has been wonderful as a retired faculty. 

I envisioned living a life of freedom, leisure, and happiness after my superannuation. As we just started to settle into new roles and routines with frequent leisure trips in and around Bangalore, the outbreak of the coronavirus changed everything dramatically.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis across all of India and even every corner of the world. We are most of us dealing with something that we would probably have never faced in our life. Life has changed like never before. We have been asked by central and state governments and local bodies as well to stay at home safely.

My friends/relatives nowadays ask the only thing to describe the situation under lockdown at home in Bangalore. Their questions generally are: can you leave your home, go and see your neighbors; can you go to grocery or vegetable stores?

In the middle of March, residents of our complex came to know a dozen overseas-returned members/IT professionals are staying in self-quarantine, and one member living in a building had tested corona positive. There was panic amongst many of the residents; however, this was quelled by the concerted efforts of apartment owners’ association members, who put a meticulous plan of action in place to safeguard each and every resident. Most of the essentials are provided by the Dus Minute store (supermarket for residents of the gated community) within the complex and delivering a few essentials to doorsteps. In addition, fresh vegetables are provided nearby to more convenient locations once or twice a week by arranging with a vendor. I have no hesitation to compliment on the coronavirus restrictions plan by the association. All the residents have obeyed the restrictions imposed and none of the residents stepped outside of their doors unless required.

My wife and I have been at home since 24 March. The pandemic forced us to stay home. In the past four weeks, we are not allowed to go out for a walk. We are not allowed to go for exercising, and any other socializing. We have to stay indoors. We have been following the policy to strict all possible social distancing measures. We have not even visited my daughter’s home located in another building within the complex.

My family members feel the coronavirus is hitting closer outside the home and there is a sense of fear in relation to the pandemic. The first few days I found it tiring of being at home. I have missed going out for a community walk both in the morning and evening sessions and indulge in gossiping, playing carom, and spending time in a tea session with newly connected mostly senior people. However, I went residential store for essentials at least once a week observing all health advice.

Beginning in the second week, I have created a new routine and got used to it. I have managed to work on my subject paper by making tutorial materials and communicating with my class coordinator. Although I have not completed it, working on it has helped me remain positive.

 I find morning reading international headlines during tea really keeps spirits up. I spend a lot of time browsing social network sites and posting pictures, videos, and stories on my social media accounts. I have more opportunities to talk and chat with my friends, colleagues, classmates, and relatives who are always available at their home. Access to people through popular social network sites is of great help to overcome boredom. I take some time to look through old photos both in physical and digital albums. 

I spend a set amount of time cleaning my home every day focusing on the sanitization of important areas and organizing materials. In the process, I have learned a few techniques of Marie Kondo (KonMari) method of living a life that sparks joy. I have learned to wash my hands perfectly!

Corona pandemic is a difficult time for everyone. It could permanently change the ways in which we live. Many scientific reports suggest the social isolation and social distancing could last for months. However, “there is always light after darkness”.