Quarantine measures imposed by various countries vary greatly around the world. South Africa, home to one of our favorite bridge writers, suffered some of the most severe restrictions. Alex J. Coyne had the misfortune to have his laptop break exactly when the quarantine was at its highest level, and, on top of that, he was moving house too…
South Africa sees the start of National Lockdown on the 27th of March, 2020.
Our trouble starts a few days earlier when our main laptop shuts down and refuses to come back to life. The first while of lockdown starts on a particularly nerve-wrecking note as a result.
The sale of cigarettes, alcohol and any others items deemed as non-essential by government are banned. Travel restrictions and curfews are imposed – and enforced – and the sale of prepared food is soon declared illegal. Internet cafe’s are also considered non-essentials during this time, which doesn’t make the situation at hand any easier.
It doesn’t take long for citizens to draw comparisons between National Lockdown and events seen during Apartheid.
Even in the first days of a locked down country, streets become emptier, public transport becomes less, regular street vendors return home and stores run empty in terms of both stock and frequenting consumers.
News reports soon include a string of bizarre arrests over the country. National Lockdown soon starts to feel like a gross show of power with the government exercising total control.
Relocation
Dealing with court cases and disagreeable landlords, my wife and I move out of Sunwich Port (a little South Coast town) between the 1st and 3rd of April.
Packing happens fast, although I remember to stash a notebook, pens and a card deck where I can reach them. Writing is done in old-school fashion for a while, some nights by candlelight.
Moving is not an easy task, and becomes an even more difficult one in the midst of lockdown.
Hopefully, it’s the first and last time that one of our cats ever get to ride in the back of a police van.
PSA
On the way to town, public service announcement posters adorn every lamppost: It encourages people to welcome the health workers who will be going door-to-door, apparently to test for instances of COVID-19.
Within a day, the posters are torn down.
More public service announcements are sent daily via SMS: “If you do not provide an essential service, do not go to work.”
The government announces electronic surveillance of social distancing and suspected COVID-19 cases, and somewhere else in the country, a batch of mangoes is said to falsely test positive for COVID-19.
From the Bridge World
Thanks to several lifelines from the bridge world, I’m able to place an online order for a laptop on the 23rd of April.
The level of support received from bridge players and writers during this time is overwhelming. Saying that it gets us back on our feet again is an understatement.
The country is still stuck in the middle of a lockdown for an undisclosed period of time while I write this, but things look a little better from here – and it’s all thanks to bridge.
Comments
12 responses to “Back in the ZAR: Help from the Bridge World During Lockdown”
For as much as I am technically a former smoker [my last cigarette was more than 20 years ago but I still enjoy the smell] how can this be considered non-essential item when one is under ‘house arrest’ similar to martial law.
u suck
Ouboet ~I wish you well! Next time you have a boerie roll, plz hold it up in the air and say: this one is for Ruth! Bly gesond!
We wish to underline that the views expressed by Mr Coyne are his alone and are not shared by the South African Bridge Federation or its members, the vast majority of whom are proud of the alacrity, decisiveness and dignity with which our president has faced the threat of this pandemic in our country,
James Grant
President
SABF
could you tell me if there is someone who gives online lessons – i live in stellenbosch and would like to improve my game – thanks
Hondo707 gives free lessons on BBO every Wednesday, alas! at 9.30 PM East Atlantic Time (New York )
How do I attend the lesson
Contact Hennie Fick 0781361210
Hid user name on bBO is hcbfick
I’m sorry, James, – was there some poll, survey or questionnaire circulated to the SABF members, that I am not aware of?
While you certainly personally, and possibly on behalf of the committee can make statements about the SABFs official (?) position on this highly politicized matter, – I really don’t see how you can speak to the opinions of the “vast majority” of the members.
Speriamo che BBO possa diventare una comunità di mutuo aiuto, in un’epoca di sofferenza che colpisce tutto il mondo, piuttosto che un luogo dove pensare solo all’aumento dei prezzi dei tornei.
gratitudine a BBO che in questi tempi ingrati ci fa stare in compagnia di amici e nemici simulando per quanto possibile una sorta di vita sociale. GRAZIE !
Here in New Jersey, USA, liquor stores were classified as “essential” businesses.