Argentina, Buenos Aires, Daniela, Argentine, 33, Teacher, Married
General
How is the situation in your city/ country? Is there a 2nd wave yet?
We’re going through the peak of the disease.
How did the atmosphere in your country change within the last months?
Everything changed a lot, we started the isolation in March and everything came to a standstill, there is concern in general, for health and for the economy.
How are you and your family?
We are fine, but far away because we live in distant places and cannot visit each other.
What was the biggest challenge for you within the last months?
Learn to teach virtually and be away from my family and friends.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
When the terrible news from Europe and then America began to come.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
My government reacted quickly. A strict quarantine was imposed on the entire country and the public health system began to be strengthened.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
Yes, I´m satisfied. I think we stopped the spread of the infection for a long time and the health system was strengthened during that time. That was a very good decision, putting the health of the citizens first. At the same time it was very hard because this country already had a very big economic crisis, but it was the right decision.
What would you like to say to your government?
Thank you, you were very brave.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
Stay at home.
.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
Yes, my husband had Covid, but he’s fine.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes, I took a test because I live with my husband who tested positive for Covid. My test was negative, I didn’t catch it. We were in quarantine for 15 days without leaving the house.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
I’m not afraid. The infectious agents said it’s impossible for me to get it if I didn’t get it from my husband.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
For three months we could only go out to buy food or take short walks near our home. Then they started to open new areas but we still can’t have a coffee or go visit relatives in other provinces of the country.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
Yes, I’m with my husband. During this time I was working hard. Teaching virtually is not easy and takes a long time to learn. In our free time we also go for walks in the neighbourhood.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
I miss my family very much, my friends. It’s not the same talking to them on video call.
Changes
How did your work situation change within the last months (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
My work changed a lot, not having contact with the students is very difficult. Video calls do not replace face-to-face classes. Correcting homework and encouraging students is very hard work.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
It’s very sad, I haven’t seen my friends and family for months, I really need them.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
None. My salary is paid by the state.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
I continue my work from home, together with my husband who, fortunately, we are very close partners. I’m looking forward to seeing family and friends again. I’m going to start a virtual literature course.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
Those who work in health systems and those who dedicate their time to helping those who need it most.
What did the crisis show you?
The importance of the public health system, of scientists and the fundamental role of social awareness and individual responsibility in managing this crisis.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
The meeting with my family and friends. We are organizing reunion parties and we don’t know when we will be able to do them, but I am sure we will enjoy ourselves much more.
Which images will you never forget?
The long lines that form outside the shops to get in, all with chinstraps.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
A friend’s wife’s father died for Covid, he was healthy. That’s what shocked me.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
I’m not afraid.
What gives you hope?
Apparently the contagion curve is flat, I hope it’s past the critical point.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
I can’t plan for that in my country, you can’t move freely yet.
If they find a vaccine, would you take it?
No.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
I don´t know for sure. I like to think about the importance of solidarity, that the virus makes us equal in some way and that rich and poor run the same risk and that should help to reflect on and change the neoliberalism that reinforces inequalities throughout the world.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
Uncertainty and distance.