Being a scientist during a pandemic

General

How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Not yet, but probably coming. Some areas opening up more but all the states are doing something different. Some wear masks, some don’t. Getting vaccine information is very difficult online and some people don’t have internet.

How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
A HUGE AMOUNT. We got a new President and admining government federally. It’s much better with less name calling and anger.

How are you and your family?
We are fine. I’m with my mother and father in Florida who have been vaccinated.

What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Trying to find work in my profession.

I’m with my mother and father in Florida who have been vaccinated.

Measures

When did you realize how serious the situation is?
In December 2019, I heard about virus effecting the East in China. It was already being called a pandemic. It was serious then. USA started a soft lockdown in March 2020. We never got to a hard lockdown (which was needed) and you see the results, over 550 thousand people killed by Coronavirus to date.

How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
It was a horrible response. All the states were doing something different and some people did not want to listen to the little science available. It seemed China was not pressured enough for information & data also. And our former President Trump seemed not to care.

Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
President Biden is doing a much better job with the public. Former President Obama’s administration had a Pandemic Plan portfolio. Perhaps that playbook is being used now.

What would you like to say to your government?
Thank you. The states need to do a better job though. I contacted my state around July 2020 and the Department of Health told me no additional Safety & Health professionals were needed at this time. It was and still is a pandemic.

Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
Doctor Fauci.

President Biden is doing a much better job with the public.

The Virus

Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes.

Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes to both.

Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
Yes or with any viral contagion.

I´m afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus or with any viral contagion.

The lockdown

How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
It was a soft lockdown from approximately March to November 2020. People were still allowed to go to large food markets like our Walmart. I know people in foreign countries who weren’t allowed to do that. They relied on their neighbors.

Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
My parents.. we read, watched TV, with a lot of praying and hoping.

Gwen ad her Mom voted by mail in November 2020.

What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
My friends. The internet and online community helped a lot. I’m a member of a few clubs there and Saturday nights, the Svengoolie SvenPals Movie Club does live tweeting and chats as the movie is played. We’re like a family.. the Host Svengoolie sometimes tweets with us as we post silly jokes, poke fun of each other, post pictures of our dinner and snacks, and just have a good horror film night. Only 1 day a week but I couldn’t wait!

Streaming the movie “Kiss The Ground” in Summer 2020.

I´m a member of the Svengoolie SvenPals Movie Club – it´s only one day a week, but I couldn’t wait.

Changes

How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I’m usually on site doing field sampling so no working from home for me. I was able to pick up a few part time jobs tutoring and fire watch/loss control inspection.

How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
Completely.. I still haven’t hugged anyone in almost a year.

What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
Well not being able to procure projects has decreased my financial ability, like everyone else.

Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I still social distance. It may be another year before we can even shake hands again.

Gwen practicing her tambourine in December 2020.

It may be another year before we can even shake hands again.

Perception

Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Dr. Anthony Fauci and EVERYONE who understands the importance of wearing a mask outside the home.

What did the crisis show you?
How important safety science and science is to all life on earth. I heard a news segment early 2020 where the newscaster said LISTEN TO THE SCIENCE, LET THE SCIENTISTS TALK! And I was like, wait a minute, I’m a Scientist. That’s when I started talking to anyone and everyone who would listen, mostly online. I have my Master’s in Health Sciences which includes masks and respirators. I tried my best to communicate what I know to the public. Also, the Green Recovery although brief showed the world what happens when we ALL stop producing so much waste and just breathe.

Explaining antibody vs antigen – Godzilla is the antibody which defends.

What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Socializing. We are social creatures. I hope everyone will appreciate Health & Safety professionals as we get through this. Unfortunately we still have many companies, schools, the film/media/special events industry, parks & recreation who STILL may not have a safety person on site who can optimize lowering their risk. We may be at this a while.

Which images will you never forget?
The murder of George Floyd, May 2020 and the Black Lives Matter / All Lives Matter movement afterwards. And the Green Recovery: goats in town happily munching a bush of beautiful flowers, the clear Venice Canals of Italy, and deer walking on the road not afraid of being hit by a car.

Celebrating Ahmaud Arbery’s Birthday (unarmed black man gunned down while jogging when town residents thought he was a burglar.) in Summer 2020.

Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
George Floyd and being told by the Department of Health my health and safety experience was not needed.

The crisis showed me how important safety science and science is to all life on earth.

Perspective

What are you afraid of right now?
A variant virus.

What gives you hope?
We have no choice but to fight. Our President Biden seems to be compassionate for all Americans equally.

Are you planning to travel within the next months?
I’d like to, yes.

Would you get yourself vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes.

What can we all learn from this crisis?
To keep a health & safety plan in place.. AND PRACTICE it. Home and work.

If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
SCIENCE MATTERS!

We should all keep a health & safety plan in place and practice it.