The ‘new normal’ – our readers share their thoughts |11 May 2020

Since the pandemic COVID-19 started in December, it has spread like wildfire. There is no way that we can go back to how we were living before. Our small island state, Seychelles, is already facing economic and social crisis. We have to change our habits. Coming back to work after the restrictions of movement were lifted, some of our readers share their thoughts with us about how they are coping with the ‘new normal’ way of doing things.

Divya Pillay: “The new normal ... in other words the new us!!! And yeah, the new me! Life seems different. I see myself constantly reminding myself to greet with my hands folded instead of the normal reach out handshake. When I see people I am very close to, I need to remind myself from a distance not to jump onto the usual hugs.... everyone should be mindful that what we do is not just to keep us safe but all of us... so as soon as that thought comes to mind I become more responsible and ensure I follow the guidance set out.... And make it become a new habit... alas we must be grateful that we have so far been blessed and it is our responsibility to make sure we keep our country and community safe. Things we took for granted has now become a privilege ... I really hope we have all learnt a lesson or two from COVID-19 .The new normal has become the new us!!!!”

Anna Coupe: “I drove through town early afternoon. It was so busy with traffic and people. Market Street is full. Everything is back to the old normal, no new normal at all. Except there were only small groups on the beach at Beau Vallon but don’t know if that was just because it was Monday afternoon and the police were patrolling the car park. Is there any need for social distancing now though? There's no coronavirus on the island? What are your thoughts on that?”

Georgette Hoareau D'Offay: “At the moment we are supposed to be COVID-19 free but remember we are getting cargo from infected countries. Our planes and crew are going there. So we still need to wash our hands frequently and practice social distancing. We can go out and have lunch and enjoy. But keep being cautious.”

Helene Labrosse: “We haven’t closed our doors during the pandemic so today felt like it was any other day at the office just with a huge extra amount of traffic.

As soon as some people entered their office on Monday, they started de-cluttering and cleaning their office space. I think this is the new normal and I guess COVID-19 has made us realise the importance of re-arranging our lives for the better!”

New ways of cooking

Already with the devaluation of our rupee, we need to start thinking of cooking with our local products and with minimum imported products. One of our readers, Barbara Morel Finesse, sent us two simple recipes for those who never did them.

Reset satini papay

- rap papay lo larap salad

- rap zonnyon ansanm

- met tranpe dan enpe delo disel

- pers byen sek

- met  disel ek dipwav

- rousi dan delwil so apre met ater e azout zi limon ouswa bigarad

Reset satini frisiter

- rap frisiter

- as zonnyon

- pers byen sek

- azout disel ek dipwav  

- rousi

- met piman si ou anvi

Compiled by Vidya Gappy