Germany, Wangen im Allgäu, Alina, German, 22, Student, Not married/ No kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
Currently, the situation is relatively relaxed, there are a few cases of Covid19, but I wouldn’t call it a second wave. The face mask requirement continues to apply in closed rooms and big events remain prohibited.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
By now everyone has realized that it is a serious virus, but fear is decreasing and people are meeting in small groups again.
How are you and your family?
My family and I are in good health. It was difficult to live that close together with my family over such a long period because I moved out three years ago and had to move back home due to Covid19.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Due to Covid19, I had to abort my semester abroad in Australia after a two-month stay and fly back to Germany. This decision was very difficult for me and it was not easy to continue my online course at the university in Australia from back home. Also, I could not visit my boyfriend because he lives in Austria and the borders within Europe were also closed.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
I realized how serious the situation was when the borders in Australia were closed and all domestic flights were canceled. The university was closed and studies were only available online. Also, all events that were planned as part of the stay abroad have been canceled and the first foreign students have booked their flights back home. Anyone unable to stay in Australia until the end of the year was also sent home.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
The Australian government started closing its borders, domestic flights were canceled and all stores except supermarkets were closed. Soon there was only one airline left to leave Australia with, but the seats were quickly booked up and were very expensive. The airline tried to expand its capacity, but it was not possible to book a return flight for all European passengers. Meanwhile, flights were repeatedly canceled and passengers had no chance of reaching anyone in the airlines’ service hotlines. The German government sent Corona aid flights, but single travelers were not allowed to return home with these aircraft.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
I did my semester abroad in Darwin, Australia, and there the virus was quickly brought under control. The German government was of no help to me concerning my journey home from Australia, as single travelers were not allowed to travel with the aid aircraft and there was no support at all.
What would you like to say to your government?
I understand that the German government cannot bring all Germans back home and that families, older, and sick people have priority. Nevertheless, it is necessary that single travelers also get financial help, as a flight home cost up to 5000 AUD, and many were unable to raise this amount. I also believe that it is pointless to close the borders within the EU if the same regulations exist everywhere because these border closings only tear families apart.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
–
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The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes, a close friend of the family fell ill at the beginning of the epidemic, because he was on a skiing holiday with his family in South Tyrol. The disease had a harmless course, and after two weeks he was completely healthy again.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
When I came back from Australia, I was in quarantine for two weeks.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
I wouldn’t say that I’m afraid of getting Covid19. What I’m scared of is spreading the disease to people like my grandparents.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
My lockdown was about two weeks in Australia and a month back home in Germany.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spent the quarantine time with my family and during this time a different special dish was cooked by someone else every day.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
Spending time with my friends and visiting my boyfriend who lives in Austria. However, since the borders within Europe were closed, this was not possible for a long time.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
I finished my studies online and there will be no graduation ceremony for me this year. Also, I am currently looking for a job and the job situation is very difficult, as I studied tourism.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
I telephoned and skyped with my friends a lot more than I used to.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
I’ve spent a lot of money on expensive flights that I won’t get back and it’s difficult for me to find a job right now
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I have to wear a face mask when shopping and in restaurants. Concerning my application process, job interviews were held online. Happily, it was even possible to go on vacation this year, just a little different than usual.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Especially in my story, the employees of Qatar airline are my heroes, since they have increased their workload to fly people back to their families.
What did the crisis show you?
How important it is to have your family around and to have the opportunity to visit them at any time.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
That a crisis not only means restrictions but also opens up new possibilities and perspectives.
Which images will you never forget?
When I landed in Perth and the airport was empty.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
In Australia, some exchange students had severe money problems because their parents were no longer able to transfer money due to job losses. Therefore, they were supported by various aid organizations, food was provided and the tuition fees reimbursed.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
I’m afraid that I will have to make too many compromises when choosing a job.
What gives you hope?
That this crisis has opened up new opportunities that may not have been considered before. Also, it’s getting easier to deal with the situation and make the best of it.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
I will continue to travel as this is one of my passions. In my opinion, it is also important to support the tourism industry during this time. I was recently on vacation in Croatia and everything worked wonderfully and I felt safe the whole time.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
That is a difficult question and I cannot give a clear answer at this point. I would rather not have myself vaccinated, but under certain conditions, I am ready to do so.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
We can learn from the crisis that we are all part of one big community in this world and we are all connected. It is important to help and support each other in times of crisis and to take care of each other, especially for the weaker.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
Time for a change!