Alison Byrne, an employee of a local hotel in the town of new Ross, Ireland:
My life changed dramatically on March 12, when it was announced that schools and universities are closed due COVID-19. When I heard the news on the radio at work, we all at first I didn’t believe that this is really happening. He worked for two more days, and then the hotel was closed, and since then I stay home.
With the introduction of strict quarantine measures of the city were almost deserted. At the borders of my town, the police opened the gate for entry and exit, and you will not miss, if you don’t say why you are going, and not show ID. By the way, no documents can not even play sports on the street. If the police realize you left the house without a pressing need, you will be sent back home, and if you don’t obey – a fine of 2,500 euros or six months in prison. In addition, we are not allowed to visit the homes of other people, even if there are members of our family. But people are not outraged protests against such restrictions we have. There are, of course, activists who accuse the government of infringement of our rights, but little support. People believe authorities. However, now in society, I think, dominated by the view that the worst is over, and because of this, many become overly self-confident and increasingly take to the streets. On the road again tube.
Some people, including me, are now more concerned about is not a virus, and the financial and economic issues. For example, many who lost your job, receive a weekly allowance of 350 euros. Very soon the validity of this “action” must end, and no new measures not yet announced. For comparison: average weekly unemployment benefit in Ireland – 204 euros. No one wants to so few, so we expect that the government will take on. The future is very uncertain!
Anasteisha Fitzgerald, student in Galway, Ireland:
In early Ireland, the quarantine was to last only three weeks, but as far as it goes. And people lose patience. Despite all the restrictions on movement, the Irish travel to your country house and in the country. I am in Connemara (the region in County Galway in the West of Ireland) since mid-March, and last week saw a lot of cars that came here from Dublin. This is of particular concern because it is in the capital, most cases of infection with coronavirus.
However, my quarantine has not had any adverse effects. Of course, a little hard to study and prepare for exams at home, but I definitely like living in the time of lockdown! And all because of the fact that I am out of town. There is so much to do, and the nature around is so beautiful! Before, I repeatedly came to Galway to visit his family (I haveam hiding in Dublin), but only now I realize how nice it is here. Even the birds singing in the morning.
the Quarantine has taught me to appreciate what I have. Of course, miss my friends and travel, but not in my power to somehow influence the situation, and I accepted it.
Valeria, sales Manager, Toronto, Canada:
– We with my young man go for groceries once a week, but often I stay in the car and he goes to the store. Some grocery due to the fact that people are trying to stand two meters away from each other, lining up in long queues. But many supermarkets and restaurants takeaway, just need in advance by phone or online to order everything you need and arrive at the appointed seller time interval. From the outside it looks like you buy something forbidden: you drive up to the store, the employee from the window asks you your name or order number, make a purchase, comes back, and only after that you can leave the car and pick up all that I bought. Authorities say if Canada will gradually weaken quarantine measures, trade point after the open will still run in this mode: ordered-arrived-took it. Same with restaurants and cafes, everything will be by appointment only, to control the number of people. The bulk of Canadians belong to restrictive measures with understanding and patience.
However, some, as in the US, go to the protests for example in Vancouver or here in Toronto, requiring that all opened. But these are few, and none of them seriously not the case. People try to follow the recommendations of the authorities about safety precautions, wear masks and gloves (though not mandatory), try to keep social distance. By the way, it is often called physical to emphasize that socially we have become closer and now more than ever it is important to communicate with each other, albeit online. Police very strictly enforce distance, constantly patrol the streets on foot, in vehicles, bicycles, horses. A lot of them in places where are usually going a lot of people. For example, in high Park in Toronto, which is now the cherry blossoms. It even had to fence, so people would not come and took a picture with her, as usual. In order not to deprive us of such beauty, has arranged an online broadcast.
the Penalty for violation of the distance can be up to five thousand canadian dollars. To go outside you can, the main thing – to keep people on the right distance. If you went out with someone with whom you live in the same apartment, then you certainly should you should be proof of that. Usually people show a driver’s license. If there are no documents – fine. I can’t say that I’m afraid of the coronavirus, it is rather in the excitement and uncertainty, it is not clear when all e��on will end and everything will return to normal. But we with my young man find something to do. For example, I read a lot and relax from work.
Julie (name changed), a business analyst, Geneva, Switzerland:
– everything is pretty calm, some panic don’t feel. Mask wear is not required, in its sole discretion, and few of them goes. Walking is also not prohibited, but the rule “stay at home” works more as a recommendation. But virus people are taken seriously – at least in my environment, I have not heard if this is some worldwide conspiracy and fantasy. We are allowed to meet in groups up to five people, keeping a distance of two meters. I heard that if the party is going to more than five people, given a fine of 150-200 francs. Somehow my friend and I were sitting in the Park and, honestly, distance is not kept. In the end, we were approached by police and asked to steer clear from each other, but was not fined.
I’m personally not afraid of the virus, although he stayed a month at home bezvylazno, except that with the products. This, of course, had its consequences. Work from home and the lack of live communication. lot of stress. But there are nice moments: I began to get out and meditate. Meditation just makes me, because every morning we work on the phone with the included cameras, and my boss loves to torture issues. I also became more appreciative of the opportunity to just walk around the city. Recently went for a long walk and if rediscovered parks, waterfront, even the smells sharper felt. But next week, we go to work in the office, the government gradually weakens the quarantine. Some of my friends are already out.
