USA, Los Angeles, Audrey, African American, 36, Wardrobe stylist, Not Married / No Kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
California just opened up to full capacity on June 15th, so there’s currently (and understandably) LOTS of people out and about after being cooped up inside the last year. Our numbers are thankfully going down and some of the best in the country. As of now a second wave is not being predicted.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
There’s more hope and optimism, which has been a wonderful balm of sorts for the soul after the hardships of 2020.
How are you and your family?
We’re hanging in there! We’re very lucky and blessed to have financial security and all of us were able to come out of the pandemic not having lost jobs or homes.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Figuring out what to do with my free time and keep creative given that my industry almost completely shut down during the pandemic.
We’re very lucky and blessed to have financial security and all of us were able to come out of the pandemic not having lost jobs or homes.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I got stuck out of town on a work trip due to our ex-president placing a travel ban on our country and that’s when I started to worry. Once I got home I had to go straight into quarantine and it all felt very whirlwind.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
The United States government reacted very knee-jerk. Our ex-president already came with a host of problematic behaviors and his response to the pandemic was more harmful than helpful. Our nation is still in shambles due to things he and his cabinet did.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
I’m unsatisfied with the response because it’s left so many in limbo. There’s still so much uncertainty and people aren’t really understanding what we can and can’t do in regards to masks and social distancing.
What would you like to say to your government?
Stop letting the rich get richer and tax the rich. This pandemic allowed people in positions of power and high finance to stay at home on the backs of the middle class and underprivileged. It’s an absolute shame what happened to our citizens at the hands of the people that are supposed to be helping.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
N/A
This pandemic allowed people in positions of power and high finance to stay at home on the backs of the middle class and underprivileged.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
I know people who were infected and fortunately no one close to me or that I know on an intimate level passed away. I’m very thankful for that.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
I’ve done both and I’m also vaccinated.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
No. I’ve taken the proper measurements and still continue to socially distance and wear masks in environments where it’s needed (indoors, around non-vaxxed individuals, etc).
I still continue to socially distance and wear masks in environments where it’s needed.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
Our lockdown in Los Angeles lasted about a solid 6 months. We were asked to stay indoors and only venture outside for essential needs. Frontline and essential workers were the only patrons allowed back to work. Most businesses were forced to shut down to comply with the stay at home orders put in place.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spent the lockdown with my fiance and it was difficult to adjust to being at the house at the same time. I’m used to being out in the field and/or traveling and that all stopped immediately. We had to figure out how to be together 24/7 without bickering or resentment seeping into our relationship. We worked on it every day.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
Zoom sessions/parties with friends. They were a heaven-sent to hang out with and see people even though we weren’t allowed to be together like we wanted.
My fiance and I had to figure out how to be together 24/7 during the lockdown without bickering or resentment seeping into our relationship.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I work mainly from home now, but when projects arise they are always off-site and I’m able to get out and be active in the community.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
My friendships were strained. I self isolated a bit, due to boughts of depression and anxiety, so I had to make an extra effort to not forget to check in on people close to me. I sometimes let long amounts of time span without seeing how others were doing and made a conscious effort to work on that.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
I’ve had to downsize in what it is I put my funds toward. Small things like eating out, non-essential shopping and unnecessary bills (streaming services, brand sign-ups, etc) were omitted to have extra cushioning each month.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I’m still at home most days, but I do visit with friends, colleagues and clients that are vaccinated and/or okay with being in the same atmosphere.
My friendships were strained. I sometimes let long amounts of time span without seeing how others were doing and made a conscious effort to work on that.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Teachers, doctors, firefighters, restaurant workers, public transportation and city workers, parents, essential workers (grocery store, gas station, post office, couriers, etc).
What did the crisis show you?
Compassion is not automatic and even missing in some situations where human empathy is expected. This country does not prioritize the health and well-being of our elders. We let them and young children down during this crisis.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Friendships and familial relationships and my ability to find the light in the darkness.
Which images will you never forget?
Clapping/applause out of the windows for frontline and essential workers, Black Lives Matter protests and the National Guard going down the street I live on.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
People not being allowed in hospitals to say goodbye to their loved ones was more than I could take. I couldn’t imagine not being able to say your last words to someone you love.
This country does not prioritize the health and well-being of our elders. We let them and young children down during this crisis.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
An unforeseen second or even third wave and the Covid-19 strand mutating into something else that requires further vaccination(s).
What gives you hope?
At the end of the day I believe in the good of people. We were placed on this earth innocent and I think that inherent good sticks with us for the rest of our lives- it’s just a matter of making the effort to tap into and emote it.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes, I have some light travel planned with friends and family for the summer/Christmas holiday.
Would you get yourself vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes, I am vaccinated.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
We don’t know how much time we’re given when we enter this earth. Don’t take life in itself for granted. It’s so very precious.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
The Strength of the Human Spirit in Times of Crisis.
Don’t take life in itself for granted. It’s so very precious.