Life in the Time of Coronavirus | Aline's Story
In a bid to bring a more global perspective to the Coronavirus, I have been very lucky to get the stories of my friends, and how the outbreak is affecting them where they are.
Next, we're hearing from Aline, who has been in lockdown since mid-March in Spain. Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries of the coronavirus, and therefore have much stricter restrictions than we do in the UK. Aline, originally from Mexico City tells her story.
First, I heard the news about the virus in January 2020, but they were mainly talking about China and the possible causes of how and from where the virus started. At that moment, I was not worried at all. It seemed it was too far away from us. I didn’t pay too much attention.
At the end of February 2020, the problem was steadily growing in Italy, so the Spanish news were covering all the details. People in my city in Spain started talking a lot about the virus, posting videos on social media, and so on. In the entrance of my gym, the coaches were asking to disinfect hands before entering. Then, I got a bit worried, but still I didn’t think we could get that much affected.
When did you go into lockdown?
We went into lockdown on March 14th, 2020. The government officially declared the country under lockdown. However, since the day before, people in my city went a bit crazy; therefore, they started buying in big volumes at the supermarkets. People emptied many basic products from the shelves.
What is your country doing to solve Coronavirus?
Everyone must be inside home. People are allowed to go out only for grocery shopping. Police could fine people if they are taking a walk with no valid reasons.
Also, the borders are closed, no-one can travel by bus, train or plane not even to other Schengen countries.
The hospitals are doing their best to allocate sick people and distribute them in different hospitals and wards, so there are no overcrowded places and that doctors are enough to cover the number of patients.
Finally, everyone that is still working, for example in supermarkets, uses masks and gloves to prevent any spread of virus.
What has daily life been like for you since you went into lockdown?
Life has had a lot of ups and downs these days. In general, it is not that bad. I try to keep myself busy working on my laptop and doing 40min of workout every day. I have tried routines in my living room and taken the stairs 5 to 10 times to do some sports.
What has been the hardest part of being in lockdown?
To handle the fear of what is going to happen next in my professional life. This lockdown came in the least proper moment of my career. But as I said, I try not to think too much about it and keep myself busy.
What advice would you give to people about Coronavirus or living in lockdown?
I would recommend people not to listen too much to the news because they could get drowned into a very negative environment and anxiety. Be precautious, stay at home and protect yourselves when going out for groceries. Try to stay active and start an easy routine that help you stretching and moving. Try to be careful without panicking and try to keep a good attitude. Everything should be ok soon.
Next, we're hearing from Aline, who has been in lockdown since mid-March in Spain. Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries of the coronavirus, and therefore have much stricter restrictions than we do in the UK. Aline, originally from Mexico City tells her story.
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| Panic buying is everywhere. even in Spain. This was taken the day before the official lockdown started. |
When did you first hear about Coronavirus? Were you worried?
First, I heard the news about the virus in January 2020, but they were mainly talking about China and the possible causes of how and from where the virus started. At that moment, I was not worried at all. It seemed it was too far away from us. I didn’t pay too much attention.
At the end of February 2020, the problem was steadily growing in Italy, so the Spanish news were covering all the details. People in my city in Spain started talking a lot about the virus, posting videos on social media, and so on. In the entrance of my gym, the coaches were asking to disinfect hands before entering. Then, I got a bit worried, but still I didn’t think we could get that much affected.
When did you go into lockdown?
We went into lockdown on March 14th, 2020. The government officially declared the country under lockdown. However, since the day before, people in my city went a bit crazy; therefore, they started buying in big volumes at the supermarkets. People emptied many basic products from the shelves.
What is your country doing to solve Coronavirus?
Everyone must be inside home. People are allowed to go out only for grocery shopping. Police could fine people if they are taking a walk with no valid reasons.
Also, the borders are closed, no-one can travel by bus, train or plane not even to other Schengen countries.
The hospitals are doing their best to allocate sick people and distribute them in different hospitals and wards, so there are no overcrowded places and that doctors are enough to cover the number of patients.
Finally, everyone that is still working, for example in supermarkets, uses masks and gloves to prevent any spread of virus.
Police patrolling in Spain asking people to remain in their homes.
What has daily life been like for you since you went into lockdown?
Life has had a lot of ups and downs these days. In general, it is not that bad. I try to keep myself busy working on my laptop and doing 40min of workout every day. I have tried routines in my living room and taken the stairs 5 to 10 times to do some sports.
During weekends, which by the way don’t feel anymore like weekends, I read books, play games, watch movies and drink beer in my small balcony with my boyfriend and flat mate.
One thing I have noticed, during these days I´ve eaten three times more than usual. I am always looking for food or drinks in my fridge! I think it is also part of the anxiety of being inside for so long.
What have you done to keep yourself in good spirits during the lockdown?
I try to think positive, to believe that the situation is going to end soon. I think that we all are taking care of ourselves and avoiding being sick. Also, I do some meditations, read spiritual books and take some online conferences that talk about positive thinking. Furthermore, I talk with my family and friends through WhatsApp and social media. It is a good way to focus and be thankful for the good things/persons we have.
What have you done to keep yourself in good spirits during the lockdown?
I try to think positive, to believe that the situation is going to end soon. I think that we all are taking care of ourselves and avoiding being sick. Also, I do some meditations, read spiritual books and take some online conferences that talk about positive thinking. Furthermore, I talk with my family and friends through WhatsApp and social media. It is a good way to focus and be thankful for the good things/persons we have.
One of Aline's neighbours playing music to cheer everyone up.
What has been the hardest part of being in lockdown?
To handle the fear of what is going to happen next in my professional life. This lockdown came in the least proper moment of my career. But as I said, I try not to think too much about it and keep myself busy.
What advice would you give to people about Coronavirus or living in lockdown?
I would recommend people not to listen too much to the news because they could get drowned into a very negative environment and anxiety. Be precautious, stay at home and protect yourselves when going out for groceries. Try to stay active and start an easy routine that help you stretching and moving. Try to be careful without panicking and try to keep a good attitude. Everything should be ok soon.
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