Navigating Day 1 of the 21-Day Lockdown: Challenges and Solutions

As India enters its 21-day lockdown to combat the spread of the coronavirus, the first day has been a mix of success and new challenges. For many, day 1 was trying, particularly for those who rely on daily wages or work in the unorganised sector. However, the government must step up and provide tangible assistance, rather than just making promises or engaging in propaganda. As citizens, it is crucial to offer support to those around us who might be facing difficulties.

Remote Work Adaptation

For those of us working from home, the day began with a shift in routine. I, for one, started the day by watching a new web series recommended by my friends. The series in question is Narcos. It is a powerful and gripping series, but my focus was primarily on adapting to the new work from home setup. My employer has been understanding and has allowed us to continue working remotely.

I started the day early, getting up at 8 AM and scrolling through Google News. By 9 AM, I was dressed and ready to begin work, just as I would if I were at the office. The morning's activities included a Skype meeting with seniors and colleagues from different departments. From 9 AM to 11 AM, we discussed various planning and problem-solving sessions for different equipment across various locations. I took a short break for refreshment from 11:30 AM to 12 PM before diving into report preparation until 2 PM. After a well-deserved lunch and a nap, I spent the afternoon in telephonic discussions with technical experts and my team members. By 5 PM, I was up to date with my seniors, sharing how the day had gone.

Household Management

With both my wife and I working from home, we were able to explore a new project—developing a house management system. Rashmi, our maid, was on leave, giving us the opportunity to take over some of the household responsibilities. Rashmi cooks brilliantly, so I washed the dishes and even kneaded dough. We have been managing other household tasks on an ad hoc basis. It has been a good start to this new chapter in our lives. In the evening, we managed to engage in laughter through WhatsApp groups, catching up with our engineering and MBA colleagues. Video calls with the kids from our siblings and in-laws kept the spirits up.

Despite the challenges, we encourage everyone to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary. Maintaining social distancing is crucial, and we must work together to break the chain of transmission.

Stay at home and stay safe, dear readers, for a healthier and safer future for all of us.