England, London, Gemma, Black British, 39, Actress, Not married/ 4 year old son
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
We are in a 3rd lockdown that started at the beginning of the year. We have recently been given a roadmap to slowly move out of the current restrictions incrementally and hopefully for the 3rd and final time. By the end of June we have been told that there will be no restrictions.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
This lockdown has felt like the toughest of them all and I think entering into a new year and into a further lockdown has added to that feeling.
How are you and your family?
We are all safe and well. I live with my mother who is 65, my husband and son. My partner works in social care and has so far had the vaccine due to his work. My mother is apprehensive and has allergies so has not received it as yet.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
The biggest challenges for me during this time have been coming to terms with my industry and so therefore, my main source of income, coming to a grinding halt. I have become a full time mother which has been very rewarding in many ways but also frustrating in many others.
I have become a full time mother which has been very rewarding in many ways but also frustrating in many others.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I realised when we went into the first lockdown that this was very serious but I still did not have foreseen that it would last this long.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
Our government has in my opinion been slow to react in many ways. We took far too long to put measures in place to protect people by not closing boarders or at least testing people on arrival. I also think initiatives such as “eat out to help out” were in hindsight massive mistakes that contributed to us being back in a second and third lockdown.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
I know that we are facing unprecedented times but I don’t feel satisfied with our governments decisions. Too slow to act, not listening to scientific advice has meant we are a year into restrictions and can only hope by June of this year or before, that we don’t go back into further lockdowns.
What would you like to say to your government?
Its about what you do now. Help the millions of people that are suffering through unemployment to get themselves back on their feet. The industries such as the arts, the wedding industry that have been obliterated by this pandemic. Help the many families struggling to feed their families and also the children that have missed out on very important years of their education.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
Stay home, Stay safe.
Help the millions of people that are suffering through unemployment to get themselves back on their feet. The industries such as the arts, the wedding industry that have been obliterated by this pandemic.
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?
I haven’t done a test.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
I had the virus back last March before we entirely even knew what it was or what the symptoms were.
I had the virus back last March before we entirely even knew what it was or what the symptoms were.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
On and off for a year now.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I have spent it with my husband, son and my mum.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
Working in an industry that I love. My son has helped me. He has reminded me what is important. He has made me smile and not allowed me to spent too long feeling down just by being here and by making me play and see the world through his unknowing eyes.
During the lockdown my son has reminded me what is important, he has made me smile.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
Entirely. I lost the opportunity to even audition for work for the first few months. Auditions began to come in again a few months later by way of self tape but there were far less opportunities.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
Entirely. The socialising I have done has mostly been with my sister and her family who we have formed a support bubble with. I have seen a few friends between lockdowns for walks and the odd meal.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
It has massively affected my financial situation. My opportunities to work has lessened. I am still searching for full time, non performance employment.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I spend most of my days at home with my son apart from our daily walks or trips to the supermarket. We see my sister and her family at weekends.
I lost the opportunity to even audition for work for the first few months.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Anyone working in the NHS or in key worker roles. Supermarket workers, charity workers and anyone else trying to spread joy and light during some very dark times. For me that would be choir leaders or other creatives continuing to try and make connections with people even through a screen.
What did the crisis show you?
That slowing down isn’t a bad thing and also that family and health are the most important. That I am lucky to live in a house with a garden. That I love what I do for work.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
The time I have spent with my son and my nephew. That I have my loved ones around me and don’t live alone.
Which images will you never forget?
The rainbows.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
People I personally know that has died through this virus and also those I know that have struggled mentally because they live alone and have no one to walk through this crisis with day to day.
To me the heroes of this crisis are people who are trying to spread joy and light during some very dark times.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
The roadmap not going as intended and having to go into another lockdown.
What gives you hope?
I am a naturally optimistic person. I feel hope now that we have a plan. I feel hope because of the change in weather and the prospect of summer on the horizon.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes. We cancelled plans we had for April 21 and have moved them with the hope to flight out to visit family in the Caribbean in June 21.
Would you get yourself vaccinated against COVID-19??
Yes.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
I don’t really know how to answer this.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
A year we will never forget.
I´m afraid that the roadmap is not going as intended and that we have to go into another lockdown.