Stay home, stay well: Build good relations with thy neighbours

In major cities of Bangladesh, people generally do not know much about their next-door neighbours even though they may have been living side by side for years.

In their busy metropolitan lives, people have very little time to pay attention to their neighbours.

But during the countrywide shutdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, life has come to a standstill as schools and restaurants are closed, and a huge swathe of the workforce are stuck at home either working remotely or not working at all.

Roads are almost empty and doors are closed, but in these tough times the next-door neighbour can provide some succour and human connection, while maintaining social distancing of course, said the country's eminent psychologist Farida Akhtar.

She said neighbours can get to know one another in conversations from their respective doorways while keeping the appropriate distance.

The expert said this pandemic has prompted people to come closer in some ways, as they are reconnecting with old friends and neighbours have started to become like family.

"Humans have an essential need for social connection and next-door neighbours can be a good option during this coronavirus pandemic," she said.

Farida said knocking on a neighbour's door to borrow a cup of sugar or some other essential item was once a common practice in Bangladesh, but it is not so these days.

"But this pandemic has changed the whole scenario, if you need anything urgently, you can knock on your next door for help, all the while maintaining the distance," she said.

World Health Organisation Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also stressed on this, saying people may feel stressed and talking to others could help.

"Supporting other people in your community can help you as much as it does them. Check in on neighbours, family and friends. Compassion is a medicine," he said.