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KUALA LUMPUR - Since the start of the pandemic, the ambiguous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding outdoor recreational activities have often been contentious.
The awareness on the correlation between one’s physical well-being and mental health have also been greatly highlighted during the lockdowns.
In the latest EMCO, individuals in red zone areas were again prohibited from any outdoor activity.
The Vibes reaches out to a group of casual joggers and jogging enthusiasts for their reaction.
Joanna Nithiya, Nick Jessey and their friend - all casual joggers - were not too perturbed although unable to have a healthier lifestyle.
However, Jessey felt not being able to go out was depressing.
“The fresh air keeps me going and will get lethargic if I don’t move around.”
The situation, though, was much harder for jogging enthusiast Trina Lau.
She shared that it felt like 'death' not being able to go out for her regular jogs. And despite doing home workouts and taking a longer route to dispose of her garbage, it was so unlike taking in the soak from the sweat and that breathing of fresh air and the feel of the sun for Trina.
The thought of picking up a fine from law enforcement officials has been enough to keep them indoor.
“Even when we followed the SOPs when jogging was allowed, we were once told to go home by the police patrolling the area,” said a frustrated Joanna and Nick.
The inconsistent SOPs have been confusing and being locked up in the homes is detrimental to our mental health. Graver consequences were in store for those caught breaking the rules.
For refugees and the stateless, it has been far worse.
Farhan*, who was employed, was able to get some exercise but for students Ali* and Johan* they have been 'locked in'.
Covid-19 may be the common enemy amongst us, but the heightened risk of getting caught has them watching their backs much more.
With the recent spike in police and immigration raids, even the four walls of their homes is not enough to keep themselves safe, what more stepping out of their homes.
“It is very frustrating because we cannot even go outside, not only because of the MCO and EMCO, but also to work,” shared Farhan.
On top of the fear of contracting Covid, not knowing what will happen to them if they get caught that would be detrimental to their families compounded by not being able to go out to earn money.
“I am okay since I'm able to work but what about those who can’t? People are committing suicide because of the lockdowns as they don’t know when their next meal will be and worse, unable to provide food for their families.”
As a student Ali has been trapped at home, sleeping and only waking up for his online classes, which has not been very successful either.
“I have been sitting around at home bored. I can’t focus on my studies because my body feels sluggish without any exercise,” said Ali.
The pandemic has affected each and every one without discrimination and being caged up within the four walls of our homes does no one any good.
Whether it is being unable to jog regularly like Trina, who is diabetic and has become sluggish, fatigued and sick; or Nick, who feels restless at the end of the day from not being able to go out; and Johan who has been seeking a temporary fill with mobile gaming for fear of going out and getting caught. This pandemic has affected everyone in some way or other.
While self-care is at its most crucial time of importance now, let's not forget those who are struggling. Let's all support the White Flag Campaign and contribute something where we can. - The Vibes. July 23, 2021
*Not their real names
