To say the least, the last few weeks have been fraught with stress, fear and uncertainty. Now, as we enter the first days of our lockdown extension, it’s becoming more and more challenging to keep our spirits up. But, according to co-founder of the inspiring new blog Living Corona Positive – and a coronavirus survivor, herself – this is the time to rally as individuals, and as a nation.
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Megan started the blog and Instagram account – which now has over 10k followers – with her friend Jules. They decided to set it up as a platform to share their journeys with COVID-19. Megan and Jules both contracted the virus (along with Megan’s parents and brother) on an overseas holiday with the family. However, what started as a way to keep family and friends in the loop about everyone’s symptoms, soon became something bigger. The account was a place for people to ask questions about the then very new virus. Megan and Jules could share positive messages, keep people informed and generally not have to go through the journey alone.
We gave Megan (left) a call to find out more about her COVID-19 experience, and how she’s keeping since receiving the all-clear.
How did Living Corona Positive start?
“My brother was the first of us to test positive for COVID-19 and, before the result came through, we all thought he was being a bit paranoid. Then, we all started receiving positive tests. The initial first few days were tough, because there were a lot of logistics involved and people needing to speak to us. And, we all felt pretty grim, physically. Initially, I didn’t know if I should tell my friends – or, maybe I just didn’t know how to. But, as more and more people found out we were sick, we were inundated with calls and messages. Everyone wishing us well and offering huge support.
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There were also loads of questions about the virus itself and our symptoms, because I think we were one of the first families to test positive in SA. It was Jules’ idea to set up the blog and Instagram account, Living Corona Positive, so we could share everything we knew. And, in three days we had 5 000 followers!”
What was something you really weren’t prepared for?
“How sick my dad got. He’s in his 70’s and the virus hit him hard. There were days when we were just trying to get through one hour after the next. It was really scary. And, my dad’s normally very fit and healthy, always strong and in charge. It was strange seeing him so weak. That’s when I realised that this isn’t something you can dodge. The threat of COVID-19 is there.
Then again, it’s amazing how we can all find strength when we need it.”
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What’s the first thing you’re going to do when we come out of lockdown?
“That’s easy – hug my friends! And maybe go kite surfing if there’s enough wind.
But, not being able to be in contact with people has been one of the hardest things to get used to about these times. I know it’s tough for the economy and we’ll take a knock, but I’m confident we’ll be able to bounce back. It’s the human soul I’m worried about. And how damaging isolation can be for our spirits.
Humans aren’t built to not be in contact with each other. That’s one of the things I hope Living Corona Positive can help with – bringing people, at least virtually, together. Now, as a family, we’re even worried that my brother’s puppy is getting depressed. Because he hasn’t seen any of his four-legged friends!”
What’s your opinion of the atmosphere in SA at the moment?
“It’s weird because the last time I felt this kind of solidarity and camaraderie was during the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Though, while my family and I are thrilled to be ‘living corona free’ at the moment, our businesses‘ COVID-19 symptoms are just setting in. And, it’ll be a long time before they’re given the all-clear.
With the lockdown extension, a lot of people are asking the same question. South African lives are certainly at the forefront of any national and presidential decision making. But when does the well-being of the economy come into the decision-making process? And on an individual level, at what point does a business owner’s fear of losing his company override his fear of the possibility of contracting COVID-19?
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However each of us are experiencing this unprecedented time, our strength is in doing this together. And no matter what our rogue individual opinions might be as to how this could be handled, the most important thing is for us to work together as a nation. Continue putting faith in our leader, co-operating with the calls that he makes and give our decision makers the best possible chance at winning this war.”
Megan from Living Corona Positive left a special video for our woman&home readers. Check it out below…
By Features Editor Stephanie van der Plank
