As cases of Covid-19 across the world grow at an alarming rate, the lives of people in Australia have also been affected by this unprecedented global pandemic.
Many Australians have already lost their casual shifts and jobs and many have been forced to close their business. Others have had to cancel long-awaited trips abroad.
One such person who is affected by the pandemic is Melbourne resident Kaumil Patel. He says it’s not about job loss or closure of the business.
He and his wife are excepting their second child, but their doctor has cancelled all their previously booked appointments.
Staff wearing face masks outside the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) in Camperdown, Sydney. Source: AAP
“I am helpless right now, we are expecting our baby in the first week of September 2020, but the coronavirus outbreak has put us in a situation where we cannot visit our doctor,” he said.
Just before consulting our doctor for the first time, I received a message that our appointment has been cancelled, and advised us to consult them over a call, he added.
“We can take doctor’s advice over a normal call but what about the emergency where one must have to visit the hospital?” he asked.
Frustration continues as non-residents can’t fly to Australia
To stop the spread of coronavirus, the federal government of Australia has implemented a travel ban. Only Australian citizens and permanent residents are allowed entry to Australia.
Kaumil had wanted his mother-in-law to come to Australia and look after his wife as no immediate family member is here.
“I have already applied for a visa for my mother-in-law, but she cannot fly due to the restrictions. We don’t have anyone who can look after my wife in this precious time of our life, and this is a very frustrating time for me.”
Familes are cancelling their holidays due to travel ban. Source: The New York Times
Postponing long-awaited holidays and financial losses for families
The outbreak of coronavirus is also inevitably having an impact on the travel industry, forcing authorities to close tourist sites and people to postpone their holidays.
Biren Cheda had a holiday planned in Europe.
“We planned 28-day long family trip to Europe during the Easter holidays including 12 days in Italy, France, Netherlands and in Belgium. I have made all my booking in February, but things got worse later in the month as European countries found some cases of coronavirus," he said.
“I had to postpone our trip and cancel all my bookings and accommodations.”
Though Biren will get a refund for the cancellation of hotel accommodation and other bookings, he will have to bear the cost of flight tickets as he said the flight insurance does not cover the pandemic situation.
But nothing is more important than our health,” Biren ended.
People from all walks of life are taking extra precautions
“I am taking extra care while travelling in the public transport, says,” says Janki Patil who works for an IT firm.
Kinjal Patel said, “I am constantly asking my family members to wash their hands and follow hygiene and avoids large gatherings.”
Cafe owner Hiren Patel says, “We are taking extra precautions while dealing with the customers and adhering to social distancing policy with them. We keep all our equipment clean and tidy.”
Casual lecturer in higher education Utpal Nanavati said, “If we change our lecture delivery mode from in-person to online, casual staff like me will have to suffer more.
