Orignally posted on my Publish0x blog on Wednesday 25 March 2020.
As of posting New Zealand is only hours away from a full nationwide lockdown due to the Coronavirus aka COVID19. As little as I care about politics I do think Jacinda Adern, our Prime Minister, has made the right call as tough as it is.
As a postal worker I am considered an essential worker meaning while everyone is in lockdown I still get to work. That might sound great but it does leave us feeling guilty that we are working while everyone else, including our partners, are locked on their properties.
Basically, on the eve of the biggest event in New Zealand's modern history I pretty much miss out because I have to work. How's them apples?
I don't even consider myself to be essential because how essential are bills and bank statements. I struggled with this for hours but then it dawned on me. It's not about the mail anymore. Sure, we are delivering mail, but now we are also delivering a grounding in reality for people. Over 4 million people are isolated from friends, family, and businesses that shaped their entire lives. What could be more comforting than realising in all the madness there is something they know well that continues as normal? There is solace in knowing that we could very well be helping people to find comfort in their new reality.
For this reason I will be making a video each day of the ongoings of my life that only few get a chance to see.
I do however feel like I've seen this before though.