I’ve seen a few genealogists
posting their responses to the Covid-19 crisis and how it has changed their
lives, so thought I would post my own responses as I restart my genealogy blog
after the break while stood down from work.
What are you most grateful for during this covid-19
crisis?
That I live in
Australia, which has certainly fared better than many other countries. I’m grateful for friends and family, to all
the people who have stood up and pulled together during the pandemic, made the
necessary changes to their lives to limit the outbreak and keep each other
safe. I’m glad I was able to work during
at least part of the stand down, only spending a few weeks stood down from my
job, and especially glad to be back at work, even in a somewhat limited
capacity as we practice social distancing and keep working to limit risks of
transmission within the community.
What have you missed most during the full or partial
lock-down?
Being able to get
in the car and go anywhere I please.
Simple things like browsing through shops, having coffee with friends,
going to the cinema or a restaurant when I please.
What
changes have you seen in your life over the last few months?
Certainly I am going out less, changing my usual
habits to practice social distancing and keep safe. While I have never considered myself to be
particularly social, not being able to go out, meet friends, stroll through
shops and chat face to face with workmates has made significant differences to
life.
Have you been exercising more or less?
During the time I spent not working I tried to keep busy and keep moving, doing
jobs around the house and garden, but not going out has definitely impacted my
activity levels.
Has the refrigerator been your friend or foe?
A little of both.
Have you been participating in virtual gatherings
with friends or family?
Some, although there are times when my internet connection can be a little
slow. I think many of us have found
ourselves using technology to communicate a lot more that before the pandemic.
Have you taken up new hobbies during the
lockdowns?
The ones I have already have been enough, plus the
projects around the house I have finally made time for. Certainly being stood down from work meant
more time for my hobbies than usual.
Are you cooking or gardening more?
I have never been much of a cook – or a gardener –
but during lockdown I have definitely done more of both. Dinners were
occasionally more elaborate and I even found myself baking a few cakes and
scones. The garden also shows some
improvement from the extra attention.
Have you found the changes and experience
stressful/anxious/worrying?
I think there would be few who have not. Being stood down from work was certainly
stressful, but I was also aware of being much better off than many, knowing my
job would still exist afterwards and having enough leave stored to see me
through.
How have the closures affected your local
community?
I know many businesses are struggling and some may
not survive. There are too many who have
lost their jobs – either temporarily through stand-downs of permanently through
business closures, and the losses will continue to be felt for months to
come. While so many have struggled, it
has been wonderful to see so many pulling together to look after each other and
help out friends and neighbors.
Have in-person meetings been replaced with virtual
meetings via Zoom, Skype etc?
In some areas, yes, it has certainly been a
change. Living in a country town online
attendance to meetings has always been an option, but it is much more common
now.
Do you enjoy the virtual meeting format?
Sometimes.
It can be difficult missing out on face to face contact and the ability
to chat to friends and colleagues during breaks. Meetings are all very well, it is the networking
and socializing that happens around the edges that I miss.
Are you working from home instead of in your usual
place of work?
No – after we closed to the public and shut
everything down staff were stood down.
Have you had to cancel travel plans for pleasure or
family?
Yes. I had
been planning a trip for an upcoming significant birthday (50th!!)
and those plans have had to be cancelled.
I will look into something closer to home in the meantime, and look to a
bigger trip next year. Australia has
plenty to offer, places I have never been, and I think local travel will be the
only option for months to come.
Have you/others been wearing masks when out and
about in your area?
Not many masks locally, but there have been a few
around. I haven’t worn one yet but have
used gloves and plenty of hand sanitizer (when I could get it), and am much
more aware of things like wiping shopping trolley handles and washing thoroughly
when I get home.
Will
you change your lifestyle after this experience?
I think there will be ongoing changes for many
people, in the way we live, shop and work.
While many things will return to normal it is very much a case of ‘wait
and see’.
