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Partners
- Peter* got more than he bargained for when he lied to his wife about going to work to visit his girlfriend during lockdown.
- The 33-year-old businessman has been in an extramarital relationship for over a year despite being married for 12 years.
- Peter says he is regretful but still hasn't been honest with his wife about how he contracted the virus.
Here's Peter's story as told to Joanna Zulu:
This pandemic has been strenuous on both of my relationships. My business hasn't been doing well, and that's been affecting my marriage.
On the other hand, I haven't been able to spend quality time with my other partner, which has led to arguments.
Before this pandemic, I was able to balance the two relationships. I would go on trips with my girlfriend or see her on weekends or after work.
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The lockdown has made things very tricky for us. We can't even go on a weekend getaway or grab lunch or dinner at our favourite restaurants. We have been quite restricted.
The only way I knew we could spend quality time together was by visiting her at her home. Fast-forward to a week later, I started to experience coronavirus symptoms.
My wife immediately called our family doctor and he advised that we both test for Covid-19. I tested positive and my wife, fortunately, tested negative. After I received my results, I immediately called my girlfriend.
She only started experiencing the symptoms the following week after I tested positive and true to form, she also tested positive. We later found out that her next-door neighbour who used to visit her, had contracted the virus but was unaware.
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My wife is still in the dark about how I contracted the disease. She is self-isolating in our home and is under the impression that I picked it up at the office.
I do feel bad that I would've put my wife's life on the line, but I'm relieved that I'm the only one tested positive. My girlfriend and I are recovering well, but to be honest, I regret my decision to see her.
I think as South Africans, we're not taking this seriously. The lockdown regulations are there for a reason and this virus is real!
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People think they won't contract the virus in people's homes, secret braais they attend or dinners they host. This virus doesn't discriminate!
I was selfish to go out and visit my girlfriend as I have now put my life at risk for it. Because of my selfish decision, I couldn't even attend a business meeting in another city, which affected my business.
I know how selfish I was and how inconsiderate my decision was. I want to urge South Africans to stay at home and only go out when it's necessary. Our inconsiderate decisions are not flattening the curve. I am no saint in all of this, but I got a serious wake-up call about this virus.
What's your lockdown story? Share it with us here.
* Name changed to protect identity
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