Bahrain, I’m here to report that there is absolutely nothing to watch on Netflix. Despite this obviously difficult predicament, we all have to stay home, please!
While authorities have taken extraordinary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus, they still need our help to ensure, as a community, we overcome this pandemic.
Home quarantine and self-isolation goes against our primal human instincts, we are social creatures and thrive among friends and family.
In times of crisis, it is in our nature to come together, lean on one another and survive through our shared experiences.
But this is a strange situation, in order to collectively fight this virus, we have to stay away from each other.
As a nation we have a high level of public awareness, and while I know some of you are about ready to put your children up for adoption, we can fight this unprecedented threat.
If not for ourselves then let’s do it for the most vulnerable members of our society. If our physical presence is not required at work and we can limit our outdoor interactions then let’s collectively:
Stay home for the safety of our grandmothers, our nephews and our immunocompromised friends.
Stay home for the brave men and women who have distanced themselves from their loved ones to operate our hospitals and emergency services.
Stay home for our healthcare professionals, the unsung heroes who work round the clock to save lives in these exceptional circumstances – the least we can do is not burden them with more potential cases.
Time to learn a thing or two from introverts, Bahrain, we’ve been practising social distancing for years! Take up baking, reading, yoga, competitive board games, I hear gardening is a thing.
We can also continue supporting local businesses by ordering online and using their delivery services.
But above all, Bahrain, take care of your mental health. And if you know anyone suffering from depression or anxiety, check in with them, especially during these times.
Other nations have shown that social distancing works – it is possible to slow the spread of Covid-19 and limit the number of infections.
It is up to us, as a community, to help each other and help authorities combat this outbreak.
So, let’s collectively come together by staying apart!

Stay strong and safe, Bahrain.

** Noor Toorani is GDN Deputy Editor and can be contacted at noort@gdn.com.bh