LOCKDOWN IN JAMAICA

 Hey guys Nericia here, how are you doing today? I hope you are having a good time. I am just writing to tell you of my experience with being in lockdown in Jamaica.

I am normally an indoorsy person, I like to watch movies and series and just chill inside. 

On my rare occasions of venturing out of my home it's normally to pick up something to eat at the corner shop (these are small shops that are normally inside persons home or at their gates.)  or wholesale (a shop that is bigger than the corner shop normally located at or near the main road, this supplies the smaller shops with goods and normally sell stuff at a cheaper cost. Normally opens at 9am and closes at 5pm). The corner shops don't have a specific closing or opening time and normally just depends on when the owner is ready to go to bed. During the time of the government-imposed curfews though if they are caught opened after the curfew hours they are going to be charged. The charges are normally very massive. 

In Jamaica, there are times when there is a flareup of violence and crime in an area and the government normally locks down that particular area. There is also a curfew imposed in some areas as well. This also happens to try to stem the crime and violence in a specific area. So basically we are used to these terms, especially if you live in one of the volatile areas. I don't live in these areas but normally hear that there has been a lockdown imposed on areas nearby through the media or from friends or family. 

Since the pandemic hit last year there have been many lockdowns and curfews imposed on the island. At first, when there were only a few cases, we were encouraged to stay home or if we did have to go out we were advised to stay safe and wear a mask. Then as the cases got more and more there was a more serious measure placed on travel and movements. Then full-on curfews where you had to be off the streets by 10pm. Then there came the holidays. People were still flocking the beaches and resorts on the holidays so the government decided to close the beaches and rivers. Also to close down places that would have lots of crowds like bars and churches and also cut down the number of persons allowed to attend funerals. 

In jamaica attending church is a big thing, burials are kept like dances and so would attract a huge group of persons who came to pay their last respects. These were all cut down to only 10 attendees at the church, and the actual placing of the coffin in the hole. 

Then there came all-day lockdowns, we have not been able to enjoy not one holiday since last June. All the schools are closed and there is basically nothing to do anymore. Dances and parties that are also a huge part of Jamaican culture have been taken away. We are now forced to accept and adapt to our new way of life. 

Lockdown thought me that when covid is no more that I should take life by its tail and let it drag me anywhere the wind blows. Im going to be an outdoorsy person after this to make up for all the lost times. Until next time.... stay safe