Over 100 countries have implemented lockdown measures meaning up. to 3 billion people are currently at home and have been for as long as two months. With no tangible end to the Coronavirus pandemic in sight, people have had to learn to adapt to this new way of living and the challenges it brings. Exit spoke to people in lockdown all around the world to find out how they are doing, what they are doing, and what this situation has taught them.
Adela, Albania
I am not really in lockdown as a work as a pharmacist. I work and do the shopping all before one and then suddenly, nothing. I am spending my time cleaning and gardening. I have learned that our jobs are just day fillers and our coffee culture is time consuming and not as social as we once thought.
Gaynor, UK
This time has taught me a lot about people who care for others and those that don’t. It has also taught me to take time for lies simple pleasures like foraging for nettles and wild garlic, something I had never done before.
Alexia, Malta
I’ve been inside for three and a half weeks now except for solo grocery shop trips. I am spending my time reading, writing and generally going mental. During these times I’ve learned that being alone like this is my greatest fear, but I have also learned I am stronger than it is.
Minx, UK
I’ve been on lockdown since 23 March and I have spent my time rifling through boxes I should havee unpacked seven years ago, and discovering treasures and a lot of junk. I’ve learned that I’m not the technophobe I thought I was, that wine is good for you and that friends, family, and community are incredibly important.
Andrew, Ireland
I work from home which means I am essentially on lockdown most of the time anyway, but I have been officially at home for three weeks. It feels like the rest of the world has been forced to slow down so I feel more comfortable slowing down myself. I am spending time sitting and reading books, playing chess, and socialising with myself and whisky.
Emma, Albania
We have been at home for 25 days now and I am starting to feel the walls closing in. With two children, I am finding it harder to keep them entertained as they are starting to miss their friends. We are homeschooling, baking, colouring, cleaning, and doing DIY.
Nico, UK
I’ve been locked down in London for two weeks now. While I am doing ok for the most part, I suffer from anxiety and take medication for it. I was managing it well before the lockdown but now I am getting random episodes. As a self-employed artist, the thought of not being able to work haunts me. I have been buying a lot of plants as the act to take care of something is rather fulfilling. During this situation I have seen the division of two kinds of people- those who become more generous during this difficult time and those who let their true, selfish colours show.
Alekta, Albania
I am anxious about the disease, but secure at home and grateful for that. I swing between feeling tired, having too much time, not having enough time, and insecurity about when this period will come to an end. I don’t mind staying home but I am busy with working from home, chores, children, cooking, and yoga. This time reminds me of a time when the borders were closed and the country was isolated as well as in 1997 when we had a similar curfew. I have memories of the sadness and hopelessness you would feel, I miss the energy I used to get from a smile, small talk, a hello, handshake, or a hug.
Amie, UK
I am doing a lot of cooking- it’s something I can control and that makes me feel better. I have also learned that being fiercely protective of your family can make you a little selfish, you have to try to find a balance. Another thing I have discovered is it’s not just the people close to you that make up your life, it’s the cashier at the till, children in the park, dog walkers in the street, waiters in a cafe, passersby, and neighbours too.
Chiara, Albania
First we were in quarantine after coming from Italy and now we are in lockdown. We are doing pretty well. I am positive mo0st of the time but worried for our children, our home country (Italy) and the world. After this finishes, I won’t take time with family or friends for granted anymore and I will spend less time chatting and googling on my phone and more being with those close to me.
Francina, Malta
I’ve been at home for almost three weeks now. I’m doing ok but its hard work with an active child. I am passing the time with exercise, baking, activities with my daughter, and smoking. One thing I have learned is that I have previously spent so little time with my child- I am learning so many new things about her.
Violeta, Albania
I started the isolation on 8 MArch as my sister had been in Milan. I am doing fine and have opened a mini food blog where I share my daily recipes and pictures. I wanted to do this for a long time but I only recently had the courage to do so. I have learned not to take things for granted and that even with capitalism, we cannot live individually as every action we take, impacts someone else. We need to be more considerate and thoughtful of this.
Mari, Indonesia
I have been in lockdown since 4 March. I was ill for some time but no tests were available so I don’t know if I had Coronavirus or not but I am ok now. Honestly, I am ok- I’m an introvert and I think we are handling it better than extroverts. I am a teacher and have transitioned to distance learning successfully and I am also completing my Master’s Degree and taking three additional masterclasses. Other than that, I am walking on the treadmill, doing water aerobics and workout videos, binge-watching Harry POtter and talking to friends and family.
Sokol, Albania
I’ve been locked down since 13 March. Whatever seemed bad yesterday seems beautiful today. Each day there is a new experience like going deeper into a well. I am trying to work but I am not enjoying it. I have started doing online yoga which is great but it cannot compare to the joy of walking. I desperately want to talk, to feel the landscape move around me. I’ve learned that you never know your strength until you are forced to do something. Also that silence is golden but it should have limits and even the best food and drink has no taste when you are locked down. I learned that people are irreplaceable and I really miss those with whom I used to spend time.
Donald, Italy
It’s been a month and a half here and it has been very important to accept the fact that this situation is extraordinary and we don’t know how long it will last. I have learned that life is beautiful, magic, and goes on regardless.
Sabina, Ghana
Since 30 March we have been at home, on partial lockdown. I am doing quite fine- continuing online studies, playing squash and swimming. I miss friends, family and travelling but I try and stay in contact online as much as possible. One thing I have learned is how fragile we are in this world and I am devastated by the way this virus is killing our economies. In the end, I am realising even more what is really important in life.
Eliz, Albania
I am excellent and thriving. I am a natural introvert and millennial who has worked from home for over a decade. To me, the world is finally catching up.
Robyn, UK
It’s been two weeks since we went on lockdown and as a small business owner I am doing my best to keep it afloat and cover the cost of my staff who are not permitted to work. I have also been drinking far too much whiskey and speaking to family and friends as much as possible. I have realised that there are two kinds of people- those who believe we are all in this together and that community is key and those that are selfish, inconsiderate and refuse to follow the rules.
Mariola, Albania
It’s day 26 of lockdown here and I am doing quite well, if a bit anxious. During this time, I have learned to turn my attention inwards. I realised with how little I can live and how I can survive meaningless daily situations. Human interaction is quite important but this is a state of minee, I am trying to go with the flow even if it is flowing slowly.
Clare, UK
I’ve learned to slow down. I now have time that I didn’t have before so I am going to use it to its advantage and enjoy it for what it is. I will try to take this as a positive because if I don’t it might drive me insane.
Luisa, Italy
I’ve learned that I can cope. I have learned that we must respect Mother Nature and abide by rules. I’ve learned that love can be beautiful even at a distance and I’ve learned (finally) how to bake my favourite cake.
