USA, Los Angeles, Peter, US citizen, 69, Actor, Married/ 3 kids
General
How is the situation in your city/ country?
Things are normal now.
How did the atmosphere in your country change since the pandemic started?
The ACTUAL atmosphere was beautiful with everyone staying home. It was like Mother Nature said to us -“See THIS is what the world actually looks like when people don’t abuse it.” On a more local level Californians took things seriously for the most part and recognized the danger and their Civic Duty.
How are you and your family?
We are all fine and vaccinated and each of us has had Covid with mild flu or cold like symptoms AND emotionally we kept it together.
What is the biggest challenge for you during the crisis?
For me it was my physical training which was confined to the basement and some old equipment.
The actual atmosphere was beautiful with everyone staying home.
Measures
When did you realize how serious the situation is?
When our foolish ex president said that it wasn’t serious is when I knew it was.
How did your government react to the crisis? Which measures/restrictions were taken first?
They reacted as best they could in light of the questionable science around such a major disaster.
Are you satisfied with the measures of your government? What was good/bad?
I am satisfied that the government AFTER trump did all that it could. Things may have been much better for all had not the previous administration denied the seriousness of the threat.
What would you like to say to your government?
Just be as honest as you can and follow the science no matter how it may change.
Which sentence of a virologist/politician did you memorize the most?
Dr. Fauci.
The government should follow the science no matter how it may change.
The Virus
Do you know anybody who was infected with COVID-19 or even died?
I know many who were infected and a few who were in questionable health circumstances who then died.
Have you already done a Coronavirus test or have you been in quarantine?
Yes.
Are you afraid of getting infected with the Coronavirus?
No.
I know few who were in questionable health circumstances who then died.
The lockdown
How long is/was your lockdown and what was allowed/what wasn´t?
I was on a trip when I tested positive and had to quarantine away from home for an additional 10 days then I quarantined in my own home for 7 days as well.
Did you spend the lockdown time with somebody and what did you do during this time?
I spent the time with my wife and family at a distance in our yard.
What did you miss the most during the lockdown? What helped you?
Hugging. Zoom.
I was on a trip when I tested positive and I had to quarantine away from home for 10 days.
Changes
How did your work situation change since the pandemic started (shorter hours, working from home, etc.)
As an Actor many productions shut down – when I went back to work I was subject to rigorous testing and protocols on set.
How did your social life (relationship/friendships/dating) change due to the Corona crisis?
The only change was the physical distance but the interactions were just as frellquent.
What impact has the Corona crisis on your financial situation?
None.
Social distancing: How does your daily life look like at the moment?
We are now done with distancing but as long as we could have people around the distance seemed worth it.
We are now done with distancing.
Perception
Who are to your opinion the heroes of this crisis?
All the Healthcare workers and Dr. Fauci.
What did the crisis show you?
The true nature of some people and how much they care about others or themselves.
What will you appreciate more after the crisis?
Hugging and kissing.
Which images will you never forget?
The sky and its incredible clarity and peace.
Which stories/incidents/experiences touched/shattered you the most?
The journey of the healthcare workers in dealing with the crisis and especially being forced to deal with unvaccinated.
I´ll never forget the sky and its incredible clarity and peace.
Perspective
What are you afraid of right now?
Ignorant people who deny the conditions of the world.
What gives you hope?
The speed at which science dealt with the crisis tells me that we can handle anything if people will listen and learn.
Are you planning to travel within the next months?
Yes.
Would you get yourself vaccinated or have you already been vaccinated against COVID-19?
Already totally vaxxed.
What can we all learn from this crisis?
To think about how our actions affect others.
If you could give 2020 a headline, what would it be?
Clear skies, stupidity and success.
We can handle anything if people will listen and learn.