There are no flowers, only a need to stay healthy

As a nurse she falls under the category of essential workers and as such has been working during lockdown.

Carin Eloff, a maternity ward nurse working in Alberton, shared her experiences working under lockdown conditions with the NEWS.

“Before the outbreak of Covid-19 going to work was something I looked forward to with a smile,” said Carin. “Today that feels different.”

She described how she leaves her family bored at home to care for others and potentially put herself and her family at risk.

“Before I even leave my car my mask goes on.”

She went on to describe the difficulty of trusting others, when every day, before you are allowed to enter the hospital you need to complete a checklist for safety.

“The silence catches you unaware when you enter the maternity ward which is usually filled with excited noises.

“We try our best to help the new masked and scared moms breastfeed to help protect the vulnerable new baby from the virus.

“The poor fathers only shine in their absence. They can only see their wives and new babies again in the parking lot after they are discharged.

“There are no flowers, no big balloons and no visitors. Only a need to stay healthy.”

According to Carin their days are filled with learning new rules and changes to initial planning.

They practice every day and think twice about every touch.

“Our hands are red from the sanitising and every 20 minutes everything is sterilised.

“Even coming home is a process on its own,” said Carin.

“My husband brings a bucket of warm water for the work clothes that are taken off outside. Shoes, masks and the rest can stay in the car. Then I immediately take a shower before I’m covered in kisses and hugs.

“We look forward to the return to normality, but in the meantime we will make Aunt Florence proud and keep our lamps burning.

“Our only request for the public is to stay home. Lets give everyone the gift of health.

“My family is just as precious as yours. You can stay home, I can’t.”