Exploring Coping MechanismsAdoptedduring Restricted Lockdown among EsikhaleniDweller, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The COVID-19 allegedly originatedfrom Wuhan, China,spread to South Africa, forced the country into lockdown on the 26thMarch, 2020.The study analyses coping mechanisms adopted by the Esikhaleni dwellers of KwaZulu-Natal during the COVID-19restrictedlockdown.Aqualitative approach was employedfor data collection, analysis, and interpretation.Thirty(30)participants were selected through random samplingand phoneinterviewsconducted for data collection.The study revealed both challenges and opportunitiesin terms of the social, physical and psychological mechanismsadopted 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, playingindoorgames 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;creatingmemes,fun videos and pictures, playing music, and worshipand prayer.However, afew participantsobserved that social media such as WhatsAppscreatedanxiety and stresswith misinformation about COVID-19 than solved the challenges brought by the pandemicand the associated lockdown.Overall,afew participants used the lockdown to fulfil goals they hadpostponed over the years, and learnednew skills such as cooking and baking for their personal growth and development. Thefindings create awareness to the masses andunderstanding ofcoping mechanisms to adopt in futurein case of similar events. It is therefore, recommended that COVID-19 protocolsshouldbe strictly adhered toin case of future outbreaks, to avoid the spread of the virus, which may necessitate further lockdown.