No serious lockdown, no restrictions, just recommendations in Sweden

Sweden, Stockholm, Beatrice, Swedish, 27, Senior Account Manager, Married/Kids:

General

How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Yes second wave, still open with some recommendations to stay home and not see too many people.

How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
It was fine during summer but with the second wave people are getting anxious. However, we have been the only country to be open for the entire time, i.e. more or less lived a normal life. Many people are not happy with how the state handled the elderly care and had many pass way due to not enough restrictions.

How are you and your family?
Good, healthy.

What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Sitting at home and working at the same time as my partner, keep energy up.

We have been the only country to be open for the entire time.

Measures

When did you realize how serious the situation is?
In March when the lockdown came in Europe.

How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
No restrictions to start with, mostly recommendations. Could not visit elderly homes between April – October.

Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
No, I think we should have regulations on masks and amount of people at the same spot, no events and no parties.

What would you like to say to your government?
Make a stance, set some regulations.

Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
None.

I think we should have regulations on masks and amount of people at the same spot, no events and no parties.

The Virus

Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes, not dead but sick.

Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
I have done a COVID-19 test and it was negative. I have met with someone who was potentially positive, so I did go in quarantine, until they found out they did not have it.

Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
Not for me, but for elderly or sick around me.

I have done a COVID-19 test and it was negative.

The lockdown

How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
We never had a serious lockdown, but by choice it was between March – May I would say.

Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
Yes, my partner.

What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
Energy and being out and about. Walks in the park.

We never had a serious lockdown.

Changes

How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I only work from home now, until July 2021.

How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
I saw my friends a lot but has also changed, not so much anymore especially during second wave.

What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
None.

Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I sit at home most, stay away from bigger events.

I only work from home now, until July 2021.

Perception

Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
The doctors and nurses.

What did the crisis show you?
That is works to sit at home and work but you also need to get out to gain energy.

What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Travels and having fun with friends in a large group.

Which images will you never forget?

Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
All the work from doctors, nurses and hospital staff worldwide.

It works to sit at home and work but you also need to get out to gain energy.

Perspective

What are you afraid of right now?
More people having to die.

What gives you hope?
Vaccine.

Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes.

If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
No.

What can we all learn from this crisis?
We need to work together.

If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
The biggest lesson of the 20th century.

We need to work together.