THE spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths is worrying to say the least.

In one way or another, everyone in this country is being affected by the scourge.

People are losing relatives, colleagues and friends everyday.

The virus is eating us away, but what are we doing as Zimbabweans to protect ourselves and others from this scourge?

Are we adhering to COVID-19 regulations as directed by Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols?

How many of us are genuinely masking up, washing hands and observing social/physical distancing?

Are we sanitising? 

Are we respecting curfew times and, for those in non-essential services, are we staying at home or literally roaming the streets and exposing ourselves to the virus and, in the process, endangering the lives of our families and other people in general?

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) recently issued a statement bemoaning the unruly behaviour of citizens in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and has vowed to arrest all people who flout COVID-19 regulations.

However, as Zimbabweans we should know better.

Why wait for the police to enforce what is expected of us?

Are we that dumb or it is simply recklessness on our part as Zimbabweans? 

There have been numerous complaints of people who are taking COVID-19 for granted, especially in high density suburbs.

We at The Patriot can confirm that in areas such as Kuwadzana, Glen Norah, Mbare, Epworth, Mabvuku and Chitungwiza, among others, people are openly flouting COVID-19 regulations.

We have observed people milling around the so-called banned bars and nightclubs as late as 9pm, while church gatherings continue unabated.

In another shocking development, people continue to host parties while some imbibers have turned to shebeens which, by the way, are illegal.

We have also received similar disturbing reports from other areas across the country, particularly from Masvingo and Bulawayo.

This leaves us with more questions than answers.

Are we, as a people, understanding the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in?

Are we underestimating the devastating effects of COVID-19 which is killing people every day and in their numbers?

Surely, are we considering the consequences of our actions in these COVID-19 times?

We say we are an educated lot, as Zimbabweans, but our behaviour points to the contrary.

The precautions that we are being encouraged to take are for our own benefit as a people.

We must remember that life is precious; we only live once and cannot afford to take it for granted.

We must be responsible.

Let’s stay safe because COVID-19 is here and it is real.

Do it for yourself, do it for your family and do it for your country.

I hear some saying: ‘It is better to die of COVID-19 than hunger’