UK, London, Lorenza, Italian, 29, Project manager, –
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Infections have drastically gone down, however there are localised second waves such as the one in Leicester where the town was put under second lockdown to contain a second nationwide spread. Rumor has it winter will bring another big wave around October/November and many offices are postponing their reopening till then.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
People seem to have relaxed during the summer, with increasing freedom to socialize in open as well as enclosed spaces, however a certain restlessness can be observed as talks of a second nationwide wave make it to the news, and supermarkets and hospitality keep operating abnormally due to safety measures still in place.
How are you and your family?
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What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Increasing workload from home, giving up lunch breaks, effectively “living at work” rather than “working from home”. Little social outlet.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
February, as the virus hit southern Europe hard. The UK seemed to think they could ride it out by not acknowledging it. Colleagues of friends as well as mine were heard multiple times calling the virus a “common cold” and any attempt to raise alarm was met with scepticism and a condescending look, implicitly tied to the notion of Italy being a third world country. I was furious.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
None till end of March – you will have read in the news about the herd immunity theory the UK prime minister was inclined to bet on at the time. Even as we entered phase two (containment) nurses in hospitals were denied protective gear so not to alarm the patients, showing little understanding of what was going on down in Europe. Real containment was delayed as it was the government’s belief that letting more people get infected over a longer period of time would “flatten the curve” of infections so not to weigh too much on the national healthcare service all at once.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
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What would you like to say to your government?
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Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
Herd immunity.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
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Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
To get a swab you’re either lucky enough to run across a mobile testing facility or you can claim to have symptoms and receive a test kit via mail – I did the latter as I wanted to get tested before visiting family in Italy during the summer (old people too). Tested negative. A nurse friend got infected and felt very weak for over two weeks. She was forced to go back to work after one week of the symptoms emerging. She probably infected others at work by so doing.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
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The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
Not too strict. We could always go for a little walk around the block or to the park, once a day, which was a relief. No masks were mandatory anywhere until the reopening of most shops in July.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
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What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
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Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I was lucky enough to retain employment but my working hour count went up considerably, as the workload increased. We were made to understand the need to work harder and more efficiently given the hard times. My end of probation pay rise was put on hold indefinitely.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
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What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
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Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
Dull and repetitive. I feel like I live to work. Every evening is a rushed parenthesis between work shifts. Every move across town I do by bike which is tiring and puts me off most outings. I do not feel comfortable taking the underground yet.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
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What did the crisis show you?
It showed me people of all walks of life can come together to respond to an international crisis, despite differing political views. I have observed more cooperation among the public than I expected. I have subsequently observed though how financially aware the landlord class is in London, and very little understanding and flexibility on their part. It’s gotten quite depressing, hearing different stories. I think people are getting tired and more self centered as this crisis drags.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
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Which images will you never forget?
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Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
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Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
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What gives you hope?
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Are you planning to travel within the next months?
I have made plans to travel and see people in Europe like I would in a normal year – not entirely convinced I will be allowed to eventually. But you have to make plans anyway, otherwise depression will get the best of you.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
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What can we all learn from this crisis?
That we can make do under strenuous circumstances – but that also means having to forego a certain world order/way of conceiving of daily life.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
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