From Philippines to Australia, Makati to Canberra, Chris, Australian, 29, Development Worker, Married/Kids: Partnered/No kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
After an initial hard lockdown in the Philippines to supress the first wave of the virus, the government initially did a good job at containment. But as restrictions eased, cases jumped dramatically. Manila’s 20 million workers were eager to get back to work. Roads were soon busy again, as were the malls and restaurants. As cases got higher in Manila, I made the tough decision to return home to Australia. Now in Canberra, life feels ‘almost’ normal without any cases.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
The initial lockdown meant that you could only leave the home for essential shopping. So no outdoor exercise. From a bustling city of 20 million that never really slept, to empty streets and closed malls, was a big change. Once the restrictions eased, I think everone thought that they had done their time and things were returning to normal. The virus, however, was far from contained. People returned to work and restaurants, but as cases increased it felt as the city grew ever frustrated. Many, however, have accepted the new normal.
How are you and your family?
A test for any relationship, my partner and I survived 5 months of lockdown in the Philippines, and the (what felt like a longer) 14 days in quarantine on arrival back into Sydney! As I’ve made the decision to stay in Australia, we’ve had to go long distance as he returned to Manila. But really, the pandemic has brought us closer together. My aunt came to visit Canberra from Perth and is still here due to state border clousres.Otherwise, thankfully my family is all okay.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
I think two things come to mind for me. Firstly, it’s being apart from my partner. We’ve done long distance for short periods before, but it was different that you could easily get on a plane to go and visit each other. Now that’s all a bit harder. And secondly, having left Manila without a proper farewell with all of my friends. Restrictions meant I couldn’t see them or say goodbye. I tell myself that I will be back there soon and host a propper farewell with everyone.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I think there were two moments that I really remember. The first is when I was at a cocktail reception I was hosting for work where almost nobody showed up. The president was announcing a hard lockdown. And on the way home, traffic was gridlocked as people left the city. This really hit home. And the second, was when I flew back to Australia. From Manila, to Tokyo, the world’s 5th busiest airport was deserted. Then being the only plane arriving into Sydney airport. It’s scary because you actually see how global this crisis is.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
The initial lockdown in Manila only allowed essential shopping. Public transport was stopped entirely. Mandatory face masks came in early as well as social distancing. My partner says they now require a face sheild in busy environments like airports.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
Actually I was quite satisfied with the Philippine Government’s response initially. As the economy gradually opens up but I’m hoping cases continue to decrease.
What would you like to say to your government?
I guess, like all governments, we should continue to help those most impacted by the virus.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
–
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
We’ve had a handful of cases at work. I know two of them personally. My close friend had a number of deaths in his family. The stories around trying to get treatment seemed horrendous. They were turned away from hospitals.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
I’ve been tested twice – both negative thankfully! I was tested as part of my 14 day hotel quarantine on arrival into Sydney. Staying at a tiny hotel room at the intercontinental in Sydney, this felt like the longest 14 days of my life.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
In Manila, I was afraid. But also frustrated every time I left the apartment as I struggled to keep 1.5 metres apart. And would glare at anyone who was not wearing a mask! It was very frustrating when you put in the effort but see others who don’t do the same. I’m not as afraid of getting it now I am back in Canberra. Months without an active case, sometimes even I forget about the virus.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
The lockdown was initially essential shopping only. However, things gradually eased. I was so happy when exercise was allowed outside. Before, I had been running up and down the stairs of our 60 floor condo. And then doing jogs in the basement carpark. I was also happy to be allowed to get a haircut! Otherwise, as our work was concerned about the virus, expat staff and families still lived under more strict restrictions. So (for good reason) I wasn’t allowed to go to malls or restaurants, or see friends, as restrictions lifted.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spent it with my partner. Our friend, who lived in the same building, would also come around once a week for drinks. I feel like this kept things mostly normal. My partner and I played board games, cooked, exercised together and started a new diet! Actually we both lost a bit of weight.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
I enjoyed spending time with my partner, cooking up a storm and then eventually having the opportunity to start a new healthy eating plan. It’s easy to start a diet when you don’t have any events to throw you off!
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
My work was very in-person before the virus. Lots of travel around Manila and the Philippines, lots of large in-person events. Heaps of face-to-face engagement. That has all moved online. I’m now working from home for my Philippines job – remotely – from Australia. But as I’ve returned home, I’ve also recently resigned from my current work. I will start another job in Canberra.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
I feel like it has mostly moved online. From just chatting with friends more, and we did quite a few video chats / drink sessions during lockdown. We had a work social bubble, so had the chance to have a few work gatherings – which was also very nice. Now, being back in Canberra, life seems normal again. I have been catching up with friends for drinks and going for hikes.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
My partner and I have been lucky enough to keep our jobs during all of this. We also had trips to Hawaii, Bali and a vacation to Australia, cancelled. So maybe we have saved more than we otherwise would have – even with all my online shopping!
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
Being back in Australia, most cities have managed to contain the spread of the virus. It feels almost normal here now. There are still limits on interstate travel. And going into hospitals or aged care facilities, you still need to be extra cautious.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
My partner has been my biggest hero of the crisis. At times where I was anxious or worried, he would always be a constant and calm presence. I think it would have been much harder to do it alone.
What did the crisis show you?
I think (and hope) this is the crisis of our lifetime. When grandparents speak about wartime, a crisis of that scale seemed like something we would never experience. That modern society and safeguards were somehow too developed to let something of that scale happen again. I think it showed me how fragile everything really is. I’m looking forward to the day where we talk about COVID as a distant memory. Where I again feel that society is strong enough to deflect the next crisis.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Being outside in nature. It’s what I missed most while living through lockdown in a large city. Before the crisis I needed regular breaks from Manila to the nearby provinces or a beach.
Which images will you never forget?
We will all have snapshots that we won’t forget. For me, the first image that comes to mind was a day I was walking home from work. As I walked down a busy walkway, I noticed that almost everyone was wearing a mask. News of the first cases in the city were emerging and you could feel the panic in the city. And then, just days later, seeing Manila empty for the first time.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
The one that comes to mind is that of my friend’s family. They were experiencing severe symptoms of the virus so went to hospital. They were turned away because the hospital was at full capacity. They spent the night driving to another hospital out of town. While they were admitted, the mayor, angry that the doctors accepted people from outside their town, ordered the hospital to be shut down. He lost two family members to the virus.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
While things are mostly normal for me, I’m now surrounded by my older relatives. We all know how quickly a new chain of infections can spread. So I’m most afraid about that happening here in my hometown.
What gives you hope?
Seeing cities in Australia such as Canberra having contained the virus. It’s hard to remember what normal life looks like when you are in a city like Manila that was heavily impacted by the virus. But just to know that there is places like this gives me hope that this will be over soon.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
I’d like to return to Manila sometime soon. I might return to help my partner pack up our life there and hopefully see some friends if its safe. Otherwise I’m hoping to do some road-trips to explore the beautiful nature around Australia.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
Depends which vaccine! To be honest, I wouldn’t be the first in line, but I probably would take it a month or so after it is released. Kind of like an iPhone update – got to make sure it doesn’t have any glitches, right?
What can we all learn from this crisis?
The importance of healthcare, our frontline workers, and pandemic prevention. This has had more of an impact on economies than war. But we spend more on military assets and countering terrorism. If we put that same funding into pandemic prevention and healthcare, I’m sure this would have been over much sooner.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
At exactly midnight on NYE – about 3 seconds into 2020, the first thing that happened to me is that I got burned by a sparkler. I feel like that was a sign of things to come. 2020: would not recommend.