USA, Plantation, Linda, American, 31, Stay at home mom / graphic designer, Married/ Two kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
There was a second wave, but I haven’t left my house it feels like since last March.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
Stressful, because in Florida they never really inforced all the regulations so I had to be overly cautious myself.
How are you and your family?
We are good. We just had our second baby Feb. 9th 2020 and then the world closed down. My husband went from working long hours almost every day a week to being home with us and helping with the transition to two children. Thankfully, we did not get sick.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Trying to stay safe without over stressing every little detail while still trying to enjoy ourselves.
We just had our second baby Feb. 9th 2020 and then the world closed down.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I remember telling my best friend last March, who was scheduled to get married in the next couple months, like you’re going to have to cancel the wedding. I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but this isn’t going to be good.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
I live in Florida so we “closed” for those two weeks but it seemed like we never closed.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
Not in the state of Florida. I felt like I had to be even more careful because the case numbers were just climbing by the day.
What would you like to say to your government?
Compared to the other countries what we received for “relief” was an absolute joke.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
–
I live in Florida so we “closed” for those two weeks but it seemed like we never closed.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
My Mom and her husband caught it and were very sick. I didn’t know of anyone who has died just friends of friends.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes, we caught a cold recently and I wanted to make sure it was not Coronavirus.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
Yes.
My Mom and her husband caught it and were very sick.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
I honestly don’t know because Florida didn’t play by the rules.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I was with my two sons and husband. Just try to keep busy at home.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
Going to restaurants with my kids and enjoying indoor playgrounds. Trying to focus on the positives that we are all safe and together.
It helped me trying to focus on the positives that we are all safe and together.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
My husbands tourism business was closed for almost a year. It was awful.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
I have hardly seen my closest friends. I had a pod of friends we would see and that was it.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
It’s been very tough this last year.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I stay home and go to the park with my kids. There’s not much else to do safely. My youngest is too small for a mask but not old enough to understand social distancing.
My youngest kid is too small for a mask but not old enough to understand social distancing.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Nurses/doctors and every other essential worker.
What did the crisis show you?
That our health truly is the most important part of life. That I do need a social life to feel normal. That you and your friends/family have different opinions on what it means to be safe.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Being in crowded areas, like restaurants and gatherings.
Which images will you never forget?
Seeing family through a glass door.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
The nurses and doctors that could not go home to their families each night because they were worried about spreading the virus to their loved ones.
The crisis showed me that I do need a social life to feel normal.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
A 3rd wave.
What gives you hope?
Vaccinations.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Probably not, because we have a one year old but hopefully by next year.
Would you get yourself vaccinated against COVID-19?
Yes.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
What it means to sacrifice for the greater good.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse.
We can all learn from the crisis what it means to sacrifice for the greater good.