Exploring Coping Mechanisms Adopted during Restricted Lockdown among Esikhaleni Dweller, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The COVID-19 allegedly originated from Wuhan, China, spread to South Africa, forced the country into lockdown on the 26^th March, 2020.The study analyses coping mechanisms adopted by the Esikhaleni dwellers of KwaZulu-Natal during the COVID-19 restricted lockdown. A qualitative approach was employed for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Thirty (30) participants were selected through random sampling and phone interviews conducted for data collection.The study revealed both challenges and opportunities in terms of the social, physical and psychological mechanisms adopted by Esikhaleni dwellers to cope with the effects of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown. Results indicate that majority adopts social coping mechanisms involve; social media use, watching television, playing indoor games like chess, and using Zoom and Skype for meetings and worship. Google Classroom was adopted for teaching and learning. Physical coping mechanisms include; cleaning, gardening and laundering, and exercises such as, walking, jogging, and aerobics. Psychological coping mechanisms include; creating memes, fun videos and pictures, playing music, and worship and prayer. However, a few participants observed that social media such as WhatsApps created anxiety and stress with misinformation about COVID-19 than solved the challenges brought by the pandemic and the associated lockdown.

Overall, a few participants used the lockdown to fulfil goals they had postponed over the years, and learned new skills such as cooking and baking for their personal growth and development. The findings create awareness to the masses and understanding of coping mechanisms to adopt in future in case of similar events. It is therefore, recommended that COVID-19 protocols should be strictly adhered to in case of future outbreaks, to avoid the spread of the virus, which may necessitate further lockdown.