USA, Chattanooga, Katie, American, 41, Entrepreneur, Married/ Two kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Cases were very low until right before our kids started school again. By the second week of school our daugther said she was the only kid in two of her classes because so many kids were out in quaratine. Now they have gone all digital for the next two weeks to try to slow the spread.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
I feel a lot of tension as people have over polarizing opinions as it relates to the vaccine, mask mandates and when or how we should be living our lives.
How are you and your family?
Personally we are good. We are staying active, getting outside and taking lots of family walks.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
We are optimistic. I have a flexible schedule so even though my work has to change a bit to help homeschool our kids I am thankful I have the flexibility to do so.
I feel a lot of tension as people have over polarizing opinions.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
When they shut down the kids school.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
At the begining everything was shut down, mask mandates, you felt like a criminal for going anywhere.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
I still think it was ridiculous to close down the parks. We have a local national park with miles for running, biking and social distancing. All the parking was roped off. I mean I understand shutting down the visitors center but physical and mental health is still important and our family really wanted to get outside and exercise. I think after the initial overreaction things have gotten much better.
What would you like to say to your government?
I am praying for you. I can imagine having to make these huge decisions that affect so many with limited information must be very hard.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
I didn’t, I just focused on my family.
I can imagine having to make these huge decisions that affect so many with limited information must be very hard.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes, we were part of a virtual mastermind class where two men passed. One at the very begining of the pandemic. Very scary. I personally got the virus in November 2020, but thankfully had a very mild case and recovered at home. Thankfully no one else got it because of me.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes, November 2020.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
I had it and it was a mild case.
I personally got the virus in November 2020, but thankfully had a very mild case.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
Our current (second wave): Our child’s school is closed for 2 weeks.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
In the initial lockdown I was with my family (husband and two daughters).
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
The gym. My husband and I did some online workouts in the driveway and went to the local schools to run the track.
My husband and I did some online workouts in the driveway.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I always work from home, but usually on my own. Having my family home meant it was hard to find a quiet place in the house.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
No huge changes.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
I am a keynote speaker and travel to colleges, I also do promotional items for events. Both of those took a huge hit however I quickly transitioned to being a Zoom speaker and actually spoke to more colleges in 2020 than in all previous years combined!
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I work from home so no huge changes.
I´m a keynote speaker and I spoke to more colleges in 2020 than in all previous years combined.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
They are amazing.
What did the crisis show you?
We all prioritize what is important.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Slow mornings. Less busy schedules. And I will appreciate concerts and large gaterhings again. I hope I never say “it’s too crowded” again.
Which images will you never forget?
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Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
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I hope I never say “it´s too crowded” again.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
The angry and opposite opinions people have on the subject.
What gives you hope?
Even though you see polarizing opinions in the media. Most people I know in real life are in the “messy middle” which I believe is where we all need to be.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
I am supposed to speak to a school in Florida in September. We shall see.
Would you get yourself vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
We are stronger than we think we are.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
Learn to pivot.
We are stronger than we think we are.