Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus

Assignment 1
School of Communication
COM60704 Media Writing

Assignment 1: Feature Package

Coursework mark: 30%

Name: GABRIEL NICHOLAS BELTRAN

Student ID: 0337740
Program: BACHELOR IN MASS COMMUNICATION
Lecturers: Associate Professor Dr. Roslina Abdul Latif

Title: Two sides of the same coin of a lockdown

Story strength Introduction Conflict and Conclusion Research Language Total
(10%) and climax and (20%) (15%) (100%)
background (20%) resolution
(20%) (15%)

TOTAL 100% mark, to be scaled down to 30% for final input into CMS
Two sides of the same coin of a lockdown.
 by Gabriel Nicholas Beltran (0337740)

Introduction

After more than a year, everyone in the world is much too familiar with Covid-19 which has affected everyone from all walks of
life even the elderly and the children when an unprecedented global stand still struck all of us. Governments all over race to contain the
pandemic by imposing movement restrictions within their own countries. Schools were closed, businesses were disrupted, travels were
restricted, places of worship were suspended and sport activities were banned to prevent the virus from infecting people and claiming
more lives. Thus, all the governments were watching each other closely like hawks to observe and discover the best solution in
combating the invincible enemy. Yes, we are at war and so all scientists and doctors collaborated to share information to hasten the
process of the production of vaccines to save lives and to lessen the severity of the infection. It seems like we are about to defeat this
little known global enemy until it evolves and mutates into more aggressive strains of virus which have caused more worry and anxiety.
The imposition of a lockdown never ceases. As such, restrictions of all sorts encompassing the stay-at-home orders, curfews, quarantines
and societal restrictions around the world like Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, Circuit Breaker Lockdown in Singapore,
Lockdown Restriction in the United Kingdom and the more colloquially known as Coronavirus Lockdown in Australia, America and
China just to name a few are all too familiar a scenario because of desperate measures to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus (IMF,
2020). By April 2020, 3.9 billion people in more than 90 countries have been ordered to stay home because of its effectiveness in
reducing the spread (Sandford, 2020). Because of these pandemic restrictions, social and economic impacts have devastated many
especially the elderly, children and women on different levels for the past 18 months though some have survived the pandemic up until
today with strategies of their own.

Negative effects of a lockdown on the elderly.

 Pre-existing mental health conditions, being economically underprivileged and harbouring extreme fear of the infection are some
reasons why risks of a long-term implementation of a lockdown can affect the elderly. For instance, the elderly who are most vulnerable
will naturally be gripped with fear of death when exposed to the infectious disease. Moreover, they will also have a mix of emotions
when they start to feel a sense of neglect, loneliness, isolation, depression and anxiety when social distancing is imposed during the
pandemic (Aylaz et al, 2020). Their family and friends being out of reach physically, makes the elderly feel imprisoned in their own
homes. This will impact their mental health because of their medical needs and vulnerability. As many of the elderly live alone and are
financially constrained, access to domestic help, basic living amenities and the internet for communication with their family and friends
may not be available. Even if the internet is available, some may lack the knowledge in using technology like smartphones, computers
and tablets. All these will lead to stress that will decrease their immunity which will compound the already weakened physiological-
defense systems in the elderly (Armitage et al, 2020). Consequently, an added concern is when the elderly start to conjure suicidal
thoughts due to a sense of hopelessness, uncertainty and fear of the pandemic. Other reasons linked to their sense of helplessness is
associated with their need to be updated with information pertinent to the pandemic. As such, the elderly may be non-compliant to the
prescribed standards of lockdown and precautions which causes them unnecessary trouble with the law and danger of being exposed to
the virus if they have to go out for grocery shopping.

Negative effects of the lockdown on children and young people.

On the other end of the spectrum from the elderly, are the children and the young people who also have to struggle with mental
distress during the lockdown because of the disruption in routines, loss of social contact, or stress in the household. These concerns of
the challenges faced by children and parents during a pandemic are very much associated with poor mental health and well-being of both
parties particularly the women who have to handle situations related to school closure and lack of childcare facilities. (Jiao. 2020).
Besides that, loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems in children and young people. The fact that many of them are cut off
from physical contact with their friends in school have seriously affected their lives and education with missing school and the
transitions and being away from it. Other than that, there is also the lower income family who cannot afford to have access to the
internet nor have the facility of a computer to do online classes. These children and young people will not be able to pursue online
classes through Zoom video-calls or communicate with their grandparents or relatives, to acquire extra knowledge applicable to their
learning online. Therefore, these are truly very stressful situations for all who have failed to adapt because of their low income status.

Besides these challenges that the children and young people face during a lockdown, the most traumatic ones would be when
they are abused by parents who may have mental health issues like depression and anxiety due to uncertainties linked to their job
security, low household income or stressful life experiences of a lockdown. Hence, these child abuse experiences can cause immediate
emotional and psychological problems that may have adverse effects possibly related to mental illness of substance abuse later in life
(Mental Health Foundation, 2020). In addition, with school closures and home quarantine restrictions, it is most likely that many cases
will be unreported and that at- risk children will then be more exposed to dangerous abusers at home. With a lockdown then where
children are on unsafe grounds, it can spell death to some when the mental health of parents are unstable. The brunt of their frustrations
may be borne by these children and young people.

Negative effects of the lockdown on women.

Unfortunately, the lockdown is not only difficult for the elderly and the children but also for women who seemed to be more
affected than men because of their heavier responsibility as mothers to their children and home, not forgetting their husbands too. When
a lockdown forces some women to give up their jobs, this would mean that the financial burden then would fall on their partners so they
will feel the brunt of it. Thus, there is always the crossroads where they have to choose between their careers and children. The more
obvious would be to take care of their children since a lockdown would demand more of their time and attention especially when
children are required to take classes online at home. So for mothers who typically carry the bulk of childcare and eldercare in most parts
of the world, it has been reported that many of them feel more anxious, agitated, fearful and depressed due to the uncertainty of time,
limited financial and social resources. As a fact, this emotional instability will be compounded even further in cases of single parenthood
or parents with disabilities. There are also situations where the women would be abused by their own intimate partners who may be
substance users or alcoholics due to their failure in handling situations at home. As such, some women may suffer severe depression or
post-traumatic stress disorder due to challenges posed during a lockdown. The United Nations sees violence against women as a real
concern so protective measures was called for as a national response plan for the Covid-19 (The United Nations, 2020). This is because
there is a drastic surge in domestic violence against women from the very beggining of the pandemic. Lastly, from the 10- question
interview conducted, the general negative effects felt by the women interviewees were that they have become more fearful and paranoid
about going out and mixing with the crowd. For some, their social and physical outdoor activities that were disrupted with the
restriction of their movement generally made them feel anxious, trapped and lethargic. It is understandable for people under lockdown to
feel all these emotions as we are creatures of habit and social beings. Fortunately, there is always a positive side to a lockdown which
can be a wonderful discovery.

A physical regime to stay healthy during a lockdown.

There are many things one can do as testified by these interviewees to stay physically fit. First and foremost, more time can be
allocated to exercises like walking around in a gated community along the road for an hour per day or engage in more calming activities
like yoga and traditional mind and body exercises like Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Wai Tan Kung in a small home space. According to a
survey answered by Abdul Rashid and Valerina Beltran, Rashid spends his time jogging around his condo vicinity whereas Valerina
practices Wai Tan Kung exercises within the confined space of her home to promote better blood circulation to enhance a healthy
lifestyle. In fact, those who have his or her own personal gym set-up can always have access to such facilities. One can also tune into
social media platforms such as Youtube, Instagram and Tik-Tok to follow such entertaining activities such as Zumba or latin or ballroom
dancing for free. For instance, Nur Hazirah bt Ismail and Tan San Yen said that more time has been given to indoor activities like
Zumba dancing and yoga with their family. Thus, it strengthens the bond in the family. There are still others like Tan San Jean and her
friends who ventured out beyond their homes by cycling adhering to strict SOPs. As such, an exercise routine to stay fit can be planned
indoor and outdoor during a lockdown.

Furthermore, to be physically healthy, one must also look into one’s diet on a personal level or a family well-being. In fact, more
people have become more conscious of their diet to indulge in nutritious food which has led them to tune into the food channel to
discover more food which are not only nutritious but also palatable with flavours as culinary treats for their family. For example, Lim
Yu San has proudly acknowledged her improved cooking skills through certain food channels that have allowed her to perfect her
existing dishes. To acquire some of the ingredients needed , Regina Beltran actually planted her own vegetables and herbs in her garden
and used them to cook exotic meals for her family too. To extend this healthy form of living, there are also some who have gone into
baking to create desserts which are more health based. In addition, to be constantly active, one can do many things to create a more
hygienic environment in their home that is good for all. Another vigilant thing to do when one needs to venture out during a lockdown is
that wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, washing and sanitizing of hands, social distancing and taking showers once they get home
are some of the necessary actions to take to promote safety and good health as agreed by interviewees like Edward Tan Jr, Jennifer and
Bridget Antoinette Pereira. Finally, everyone including the children can be motivated to be aware of hygiene as it is a collaborative
effort for all to stay healthy.

The Awakening of our creative minds during a lockdown.

A lockdown where all are required to stay home to be safe can help unleash creative ways to face challenges and to meet the
needs of all. First and foremost, Working from Home (WFH) and home-schooling have forced adults and children to find creative ways
to relieve stress. Based on one of the interviewee’s views, Rizal said that he is obliged to create a study room for his kids to do online
classes. Thus, parents like Rizal will be more in-touch with their children’s educational needs for effective learning. Other creative
learning materials like board games, art and craft and exercises are required to sustain their mental health. For adults like Verone Ho
and Karen Ng, they have delved into new hobbies like stone-painting and kokedama and decoupage. Moreover, there are also those who
are able to find more time reading and watching movies just for sheer knowledge and entertainment. Subsequently, creative ways of
communication where group chat via Zoom app is truly an amazing means for family and friends to connect with each other.

For mental well-being, some have become more spiritual and have found time to pursue even a one-year course of bible studies
as Valerina Beltran has committed herself to do. Also, Jocyelina Geraldine Tan stated in the survey that she has spiritually made a point
to pray more to deepen her faith and knowledge in God by attending daily mass services via online. Consequently, these interviewees
have become more capable in handling adversities as they hold on to their hope and trust in God as it is believed that the uncertainties in
life open up doors of faith for some people. In fact, that was how Valerina Beltran encouraged her mum to trust in God with her
recovery process from the Covid-19. Similarly, other interviewees like Edward Tan Jr, Gordon Beltran and Suhana have all read up on
religious books and participated in virtual motivational talks and seminars to mentally and spiritually stay afloat during this lockdown.
For many like June Lyons without the internet, they would find themselves helpless and isolated as communication, current news and
entertainment are their means of survival. In short, these creative ways in surviving a lockdown have certainly made the lockdown an
experience of learning all because of the existence and accessibility of the internet.

Conclusion

A lockdown can really create a “vicious storm” of difficulties which includes financial struggles, unemployment, lack of
childcare facilities, invasion of personal space and limited support networks that can contribute to conflict between family members.
This has led to broken relationships which are associated with anxiety and depression. To illustrate, these issues are related to poor
financial handling stemming from sudden retrenchment and business closures due to the unforseen circumstances of the pandemic.
Unfortunately, those who fail to handle the situations like financial, family or work issues are the ones who are likely to end up with
poor immunity or mental problems which could have driven them to a depressive or suicidal mode. As evident, even the elderly and
children too are not spared from the impact of a lockdown where daily routines are disrupted with the elderly being restricted from
socializing with their friends and with children from going to school physically. Hence, confusion will arise as a result of the fear of the
uncertainty of their safety and the unpredictable future unless they are with a strong and formidable support and only then will they be
able to escape from depression, helplessness and hopelessness. Conversely, there are also the positive impact of a lockdown that has
significantly brought about the awareness of the importance of mental health such as a healthy diet, daily exercises and the adherence to
hygiene not forgetting the purpose of clever handling of one’s financial standing to survive the various kinds of circumstances of a
lockdown during a pandemic.

Lockdowns have inspired many to be creative, innovative and adaptable in situations so that challenges can be seen as golden
opportunities for them to overcome times of crisis. In life, there are difficulties so that mankind can learn effective and positive ways to
handle situations by staying strong in their faith for God to help them sail through the storms of life. Because of this pandemic, to secure
one’s financial status one must be open-minded and willing to adapt so that with a network or support, one can venture into other
businesses especially online opportunities to survive this lockdown to look after oneself or one’s family. So if one chooses to remain
positive in challenging times, one will have a better chance of survival even when combating the virus, let alone a lockdown.

(2676 words)

References lists
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Aylaz, R et al. (2012). Relationship between depression and loneliness in elderly and
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2012.03.006

IMF. (2021). Policy Responses to COVID19. International Monetary Fund.

https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19

Jiao W. Y. (2020). Behavioral and emotional disorders in children during the COVID-19 epidemic. J. Pediatr., S0022-3476(20)30336-X.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.03.013
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https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/impacts-lockdown-mental-health-children-and-young-people

The United Nations. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Women 9. https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/wp-

content/uploads/2020/06/report/policy-brief-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-women/policy-brief-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-women-en-1.pdf

Sandford, A. (2020). Coronavirus: Half of humanity now on lockdown as 90 countries call for confinement.
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24‐hou