Pakistan, Lahore, Zenith, Pakistani, 27, Travel content creator/ motorcyclist, Not married/ No kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country?
It’s pretty good. Pakistan was proactive in taking precautionary and preventive measures to deal with Covid-19. The country was able to manage the first wave of cases and it’s been okay since then. Restaurants have re-opened and businesses have resumed. I’m also happy to see tourism re-open in my country.
How did the atmosphere in your country change since the pandemic started?
It’s the same in my opinion. Some companies are still encouraging work from home for their employees but as a traveler nothing changed drastically. In fact, after the Covid-19 wave in Pakistan, tourism has increased.
How are you and your family?
We are doing good. My mother and I contracted the virus in August of 2021, but we both have recovered and are of good health.
What is the biggest challenge for you during the crisis?
For me the challenge was in terms of travel. A lot of areas were closed. I couldn’t take my motorcycle wherever I wanted to. I had to plan and ensure there wasn’t a lockdown. Traveling was severely restricted.
After the Covid-19 wave in Pakistan, tourism has increased.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I knew it was serious even before it became a pandemic. My brother and I saw it in the news first back in December of 2019. I knew this wasn’t good at all and soon after I was proven right. I was already aware that this can lead to a pandemic and started wearing a mask early on.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
The Government of Pakistan was very efficient and intelligent in their response. When the rest of Europe and States was open and had no lockdown measures in place, Pakistan was far ahead from them. We had strict lockdown laws and curfew. Businesses were closed and indoor dining was banned. People were fined and penalised for breaking social distancing rules. I believe all of these measures helped in ensuring the safety of Pakistanis.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
Yes I’m fully satisfied. I think they were proactive rather than reactive. We did not have a high death toll in Pakistan because of these very reasons.
What would you like to say to your government?
Good job. Thank you for saving the many lives of Pakistan. A huge thank you to the healthcare workers who have been working around the clock ensuring everyone is safe and well.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
When Donald Trump said “it’s just a flu” and when WHO officials “everything is under control and there is nothing to worry about.”
I knew it was serious even before it became a pandemic.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
My mother and I were infected, but we recovered. I know of friends of friends whose parents died, but no one close to me. Thankfully.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes I have had two Covid tests and been in quarantine once.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
No I’m not afraid.
I know of friends of friends whose parents died, but no one close to me.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
I was at home for the large part of 2020. Almost 3-4 months. I personally preferred to only go out when necessary.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spent it with my family at home. I played video games and made content on my social media channels. I was also offered a job as a travel show host during this time.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
To be honest, I did not miss anything special. Yes, I did miss traveling, but I had hope that things will be okay soon.
To be honest, I did not miss anything special.
Changes
How did your work situation change since the pandemic started (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
Since I work from home as a content creator, there were not many major changes I faced. I was able to manage easily.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
Most of my friends do not live in Pakistan so it wasn’t a big issue for me and since my family was with me, I felt at peace.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
It was the opposite. I was offered a contract to do hosting for a new travel channel. It helped me financially and I was mostly in the planning phase with the production team during the ending months of 2020. Financially, I was secure.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
Since everything looks okay and I am vaccinated, I am living life as normal. I don’t wear a mask and I’m moving about freely.
Since my family was with me, I felt at peace.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
The healthcare workers who worked tirelessly to save lives.
What did the crisis show you?
How we all are one. At the end of the day, the colour of your skin or your nationality does not matter. What matters is that you are human just like everyone else. It showed me how we all can unite towards a single cause.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Being in the present. Not taking things for granted and giving time to your loved ones and family more.
Which images will you never forget?
Dead bodies wrapped up in body bags and families crying over death of loved ones. Mothers being separated from children.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
I recall a story of a mother who could not be with her 4 year old and was isolated because she contracted Covid-19. Similarly I also remember when our neighbouring country India was facing large amounts of death every hour because of lack of oxygen cylinders. It was heartbreaking to witness all of this.
The crisis showed me how we all can unite towards a single cause.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
I’m afraid of another outbreak more deadlier than Covid-19. Coronavirus was a lesson to all of us that we should not ignore the first signs of a virus. We should learn from history and be proactive in our approach..
What gives you hope?
The beauty of life itself gives me hope. Love and empathy gives me hope.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes I am.
Would you get yourself vaccinated or have you already been vaccinated against COVID-19?
I have been vaccinated and will encourage others to do so too.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
Don’t ignore the signs. Take things like disease and don’t spread misinformation. Everyone had their own opinion about the virus. Everyone magically became virologists and doctors. Let the experts do their job and listen to officials. Be proactive not reactive.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
A nightmare.
I.