USA, New York, Julie, American, 41, Author, Partner/ 1 Child
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
We are in the 2nd wave and counting the days to being vaccinated.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
We have had terrible leadership and guidance from our previous president. We now have a new president and through him, we are all finding hope that we can get through this and find a new normal.
How are you and your family?
We are ok. March 10th will mark one year of quarantine. I reflect on photos over the course of the year and truly can not comprehend how resilient we have all proven to be; especially my 4 year old son.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
My biggest challenge has been realizing all the adventures and experiences my son has missed. He has missed his first year of school, playing with his friends, going to parks, the list is endless and equally heartbreaking.
My biggest challenge has been realizing all the adventures and experiences my son has missed.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I think when we were in full on quarantine and unable to leave the house at all was when we were the most fearful. Not knowing how this virus what going to transform and who would get it is impossible to mentally grasp.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
We had a horrific leader, Trump. He downplayed the seriousness of the virus, withheld information, didn’t provide national standards and continued to divide this country when we needed a leader the most.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
See above. Our state guidance was good albeit confusing at times.
What would you like to say to your government?
Please, please, please get us all vaccinated. This should be the priority. We need to support small businesses and make this city thrive again.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
‘It’s going to fade away’ – I can not overstate how incomprehensable the downplaying of this pandemic and the role it played in continuing the spread.
Please, please, please get us all vaccinated.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Sadly, yes. I know many who have had it as well as many who have passed.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Luckily, have not had Coronavirus. We have been in quarantine since March 2020. While we are loosening the restrictions, we still are very far from living our old lifestyle.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
I am immune compromised and very fearful of what will happen if I get it. I just don’t want to miss seeing my son grow up.
I am immune compromised and very fearful of what will happen if I get it.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
We are still quarantining. Restaurants closed down, non-essential workers had to stay home, limited amounts of people were allowed in to stores at one time, and our state luckily had a mask mandate.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
My partner and son have all been together since this has began. We try to maintain some sort of normalcy each day by getting a few minutes of fresh air or going for a walk.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
I miss friends, dinners, parks, stores, everything. Knowing that we are doing our part to help stop the spread has been motivation enough to stay home.
Knowing that we are doing our part to help stop the spread has been motivation enough to stay home.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
It has been unchanged.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
It has been halted. We miss everyone so so so much.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
My partner’s business has lost a large portion of clients and is struggling to survive. Small businesses really need support and relief.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
We are home all day with the exception of an hour a day where we get fresh air. Because of my weakened immune system, we are overly cautious.
My partner’s business has lost a large portion of clients and is struggling to survive.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Healthcare and front line workers, children for getting through a situation that even we adults can’t comprehend, educators and the elderly, many of whom have faced months of solitude.
What did the crisis show you?
The crisis has shown me how to prioritize, realize who I want in my life when we can all be reunited and how resilient we all are.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
People, hugs, date nights 🙂
Which images will you never forget?
When this all began, there were so many tears and fears. The death toll continues to rise and we continue to miss our families. I remember my son asking if he could hug his grandma after we hadn’t seen her for a long time. I will never forget the image of them hugging when she became a part of our quarantine bubble.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
I think the image of bodies being stored in freezer trucks and people dying alone has broken me in a way that I will never recover from.
I remember my son asking if he could hug his grandma after we hadn’t seen her for a long time.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
My mom just got vaccinated so that is a huge relief. I was really worried for her and what would happen if she got it. My biggest fear has and will always be the children. I hope to god that they never get it the way the most vulnerable have.
What gives you hope?
The vaccine.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
We would like to relocate to another state when we are vaccinated.
Would you get yourself vaccinated against COVID-19??
YES 🙂
What can we all learn from this crisis?
To surround yourself with the people you would want to quarantine with. I am so fortunate to have a loving and hilarious partner and the world’s best son.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
A year of fear.
My mom just got vaccinated so that is a huge relief.