Spain, Madrid, Beatriz, Spanish, 35, Project manager, In a relationship
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Spain has been one of the most beaten countries in the world for the covid pandemia. We have currently 364.000 cases, 150.000 cured and, unfortunately, 28.670 dead people. Regarding a second wave, we can´t still talk about it. For sure there are several new located cases but it all will depend on the government restraint tools and the common sense of the people, acting in a civic way
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
Definitely people are worried, and sometimes sad. Not just about the illness, but the economy, as a lot of people have lost their jobs or have an uncertain future in this sense. Also public services… we find closed institutions, schools, universities… Most of them have become into online services and time to do an administrative issue is bigger. Then kids or students without the possibility of going to class, stay with friends, etc.
How are you and your family?
We are all good. In my case I did the test last week and I have developed antibodies as I fell sick in March. My parents were also a bit sick at that time, but fortunately they were recovered soon, also my sister. The rest of my family haven´t had symptoms.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Well, in a personal way, my boyfriend was working in Slovakia from February, borders were closed and he had to stay there for months (until June). It was hard to be separated and think that flying was impossible, but at the same time Slovakia was almost covid free. On the other hand, it was challenging remain optimistic with all that horrible news from hospitals, not just in Spain but in the world, without seeing your people…and taking into account that it is an invisible enemy to face.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I realized about that around two weekes after the 13th March. That day was Friday and the Government declared the emergency status. In that moment I thought it would be a couple of weeks at home, but two weeks after I saw it would be a looong time like that…
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
First reaction was closed schools and universities, as young people could be a centre of covid and spreading it to the family (and above all to grandparents and risk population). After that, they declared the emergency status the 13th March, and after all they close a big amount of services except the strictly necessary (supermarkets, pharmacies).
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
In my case yes, I´m satisfied. For sure there were a lot of cases and dead people, and I think they should have acted with a bit more of anticipation, but in any case I think it was an unknown illness and it was really complicated to expect its behaviour and consequences. And also they prioritized people and health over the economy. Now we suffer the consequences but, in my opinion, they did the right thing.
What would you like to say to your government?
I´d say: please be pragmatic, use the money in a proper way, more in health and sanitary system and education and try to create the conditions for work opportunities, less in defense, weapons and church. Without health and education, a country is doomed to failure.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
I loved a sentence from the American virologist, Anthony Fauci: “If it looks like you´re overreacting, probably you are doing the right thing”.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes. Myself 🙂 and a lot of people that was infected. Nobody around me died, but I know cases as my parents town is small (12.000 citizens) and we know each other, so it´s easy to know someone.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes, as I have anticipated I did it last week and I have passed it and developed antibodies. At that time when I fell sick I tried to be isolated from my relatives.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
Not really afraid about me, more about my relatives and friends.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
Our lockdown was from 13th March to middle June. In the beginning just go to the pharmacy and supermarket (always alone) was allowed. In the middle of May the Government allowed going out for a short walk or doing sport during one hour. After that in a progressive way restrictions were relaxing: sport/walks more time, they opened shops and bars/restaurants, let meetings… Anyway there are things still controlled like bars limited capacity, clubs and discos are closed now, etc.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
Yes, happily with my parents. We had to do home office, but in our free time we cooked, watched films, read, had the apperitive, gardening, and even we built two models.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
I really missed simple things like being in the nature, do sports outside and have a beer with friends.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
My biggest changes were work more hours due to smart work (it´s a reality that we worked more) and that instead of Madrid I was in my town so days looked like muuuuch much longer, my life rhythm became more relaxed without suffering jams, distances, etc.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
Currently for me is the same than before covid, but at the lockdown time my social life was restricted to ZOOM, Teams, Partytime and the rest of video apps.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
In my case we had a 10% salary reduction during March, April and May, then nothing. My company requested us to do this to avoid firing anybody, and we accepted as a solidarity measure. It was just for three months and then we came back to our original levels.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I take the necessary measures and avoid the proper contact with people. You know Spanish people are quite warm and affectionate and we tend to touch, kiss and hugh people. For this reason it´s a bit strange and opposite to our character to avoid contact. We still do it with our relatives and friends as it´s our mood and character but nowadays we try to do it less as it´s necessary, above all with unknown people.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Sanitary people, firemen, volunteers, cleaning staff… are essential and all the efforts should be managed to preserve their security and work conditions.
What did the crisis show you?
I´m not a wasteful person, actually I´m quite practical. But it showed me and people it´s possible to live with much less, just the necessary, and that it´s a MUST to invest more in the health system and education.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Travel, the nature, and enjoy the little things with my people.
Which images will you never forget?
Our empty cities. Imagine I live in Madrid, which it was always crowded.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
I work with America Latina, and I can´t deal with poor people images having to go out to work as for them is the only way to get money to eat. In Spain, the nursing homes, with the old people being unattended and dying due to triage measures…It really makes me super sad.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
Economy. A lot of money is needed to support people who has lost their jobs, and the risk of the precarious jobs. We have a complicated scenario in front of us.
What gives you hope?
The vaccine. I hope we have the access to it soon. And that governments is investing money to boost the economy.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes. I have already travel to the Baleari Islands, Italy and Slovakia. If it´s still allowed and we don´t have a new lockdown, i´ll be back to Italy next month. Airplanes seem really safe and they take security measures. And after all, we have to cope with the pandemia.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
If it works yes, I think so.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
We are small pieces in an unknown world. Be kind, live simple, enjoy the moment and don´t make a lot of plans, just go with the flow.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
2020, the year in which we improvised how to live.