Citizens reflect on life during and after the curfew

AMMAN — The curfew imposed in Jordan to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus gave young people ample time to reflect on their lives — to reflect on the present and think about the future.

“I think it should affect people in a positive way. I believe during the current circumstances people should appreciate what they had, have the time to think more about life, saving a lot of daily hassles such as driving, going to work and so on,” Mohammad Abu Qubu told The Jordan Times.

Abu Qubu, who works as a programmer, said that as everything has become quiet and the streets have become empty, it helps him thinking more clearly than before.

He said negative impacts are inevitable, but the curfew remains necessary to combat COVID-19, hoping that people will be nicer to their neighbours, especially those who lack money and resources.

“No matter what happens, this is a good chance to think of what can be done to make life better after this is all over,” he concluded.

For his part, Mazen Wajdi, who hopes to one day have his own business, said that after he started working from home, before the curfew was imposed, he bought necessities he needed for his house and has stayed at home since.

“The workload is almost the same, even from home, but not having to drive to back and forth to work in crazy traffic has given me more time to read. My wife and I made a timetable to divide our chores, responsibilities and also fun,” Wajdi said, noting that he works, reads and then at the end of the day watches shows to unwind.

“I hope this will be over soon, and I will stay motivated to continue my plan for my future once it is all over,” he added.

Mahmoud Eyad, a tenth grader, said that things have been rocky for school students throughout the year, because of the teachers’ strike last year and now from the curfew.

“I have been stressed because I wanted to choose the scientific stream for Tawjihi, and now I am at home and it is harder to understand lessons without direct interaction, but I am going to try to use the online platform from the Education Ministry to keep up,” he said.