Germany, Munich, Stefanie, German, 24, Master student, Not married/ No kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Number of Covid-19 cases increase again, there might be a 2nd wave upcoming.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
There is a constant mismatch between the ones that do not take Covid-19 or the restrictions seriously and the ones that are really concerned about the whole issue. It feels like the society is seperated into two fronts.
How are you and your family?
Fortunately, we are all doing fine but experienced the downside of short-time work.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
To be honest, for the first weeks, I really enjoyed having more time for myself and being able to appreciate things like nature more. However, I am really bothered that traveling is limited and I can’t plan a long distance travel.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
When my parents had problems with flying back from Cuba in April.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
I am glad that the government especially in Bavaria was very strict with the restrictions from the very beginning and that we had a lockdown for some weeks as it seems to be the only effective solution.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
I am indeed satisfied and think, that there isn’t THE one perfect way to handle it. Everyone that is complaining about the measures should ask him- or herself if he/she would be able to do better.
What would you like to say to your government?
Thanks for making me feel safe at all times and always having my back when it comes to things like a job loss. I really appreciate our social system in Germany. Nonetheless, communication could’ve been better, I lost the overview about all the rules that apply by now.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
When the BILD paper prepared an article about Drosten and gave him one hour to respond to their (mostly stupid) questions, he said ” Ich habe Besseres zu tun” (means “I have more important things to do”)
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
I know two people who were infected, none of them died but one has lost his sense of smell and taste till now.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
No.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
Not really.
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The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
Our lockdown was from around April to June and we were only allowed to go shopping for necessary goods and go out and enjoy some fresh air as I remember. Social contacts were limited to the persons with whom you live and your family members.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spend the time with my boyfriend as we live together and with my family. We really enjoyed going outside a lot and did things we normally don’t have time to do.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
I missed travelling and eating out in the evening. It helped that I always thought of the ones we have to protect and that it is a really small sacrifice to not go to a restaurant for a while.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I started at a company as a working student in April and got onboarded remotely. That was kind of weird and I really missed to get to know my new colleagues in person. Since June, I am working half at the office and half from home.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
My social life didn’t suffer a lot, I called my friends more often and we sometimes had a beer together during a video call.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
It has no negative impact, I earn as much as I did before but I definitely spend less money.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I am wearing masks whenever I have to and keep my distance from others.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
My heroes are the ones that aren’t paid enough for what they’re doing: medical staff, paramedics, policemen, cashiers…
What did the crisis show you?
That we are doing far too well when our only problem is that we have to wear a mask every now and then. We always forget in what a luxury we live.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Not having to wait half an hour in line for paying groceries.
Which images will you never forget?
Infected people laying in the floors of hospitals in Italy.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
That some families were not able to attend the funerals of the ones they love or even weren’t able to hold the hands of their loved ones dying.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
That the society is not taking the issue seriously and we’ll have the same situation as back in April.
What gives you hope?
Seeing little, but precious things like neighbours who go grocery shopping for the older ones or people playing music on the balcony for the whole neighbourhood.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes, I would love to travel to Italy in September and to Asia in February 2021. I already traveled to Fuerteventura back in July, what was a unused but nonetheless nice experience.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
Of course.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
Not taking everything for granted.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
You think this month was bad? Wait for the next one!