As corona virus spreads and becomes the central focus for millions around the globe, our experiences of the pandemic are similar but also unique to each of us. I recently reached out to a group of individuals from around the world to get a better sense of what some of our most universal and particular fears regarding Covid 19 might be.
My respondents were drawn from countries as far flung as Brazil, South Africa and Hong Kong. As well as those closer to home, in Spain, the UK, Sweden and the Netherlands. Their ages range from 22 to 75 – men and women. For the majority of respondents, feelings of isolation and loneliness or real fear of infection were what they associated with corona first and foremost. A few also mentioned concerns about the global economy. Ben, 40, from the UK wonders about potential for ‘a new economic paradigm’ as a result of corona.
Greatest fears regarding corona virus?
While the greatest fear was loss of loved ones, particularly elderly relatives and friends. Interestingly only one respondent, Robert, age 75, living in South Africa, mentioned his own death as his greatest fear. However, Lisa, 51, a New Zealander, living in Sweden, fears the lack of global readiness and cooperation while Claire, 56, living in Hong Kong fears the economic consequences and potential job loss. Daniel, 42 who lives in London, laments the ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality that seems to have taken over among some. Clearly demonstrated in the hoarding behaviour seen in supermarkets around the world after lock down measures were announced.
All respondents lamented the loss of freedom of movement the most. Inability to travel, interact with friends and work colleagues and even to take a walk outside are what they miss most. The majority of respondents felt satisfied or well satisfied with the response of their government to the pandemic. This includes Bea, 33, who lives in Madrid, Spain – one of the worst hit places in the world.
Happy with government responses in South Africa and Brazil?
Two respondents from South Africa, also reported feeling satisfied with how their government has handled the situation thus far. The country went into complete lock down last week. This, in spite of the fact that only 2 corona deaths have been reported thus far and less than 1500 infections have been confirmed. South Africa’s health system is already stretched and the country has a high number of people living with HIV. For these reasons the government’s response is seen as timely. It is hoped that the country might avoid the worst ravages of the pandemic if it successfully maintains strict lock down procedures. In contrast, Monica, from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, is deeply dissatisfied with the manner in which PM, Jose Bolsonaro, has dealt with the pandemic. His economy-first approach and initial refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of the virus has proved highly controversial.
Lisa, in Sweden, is completely dissatisfied with the government’s response there. Sweden’s approach is fairly unique. It has yet to close restaurants and bars, neither is it testing rigorously. The feeling there seems to be that individuals will take responsibility for the situation and adapt their behaviour accordingly. But reports from bustling bars and restaurants around the country don’t tally with this assumption.
Britain and the Netherlands – too little, too late?
Ben, who lives in the UK, and Eva, 52, who lives in the Netherlands reported very low levels of satisfaction with the manner in which their respective governments have handled the situation thus far. Both these countries have taken less stringent approaches than others like China, Italy and Spain. However, neither have seen the kind of death rates experienced in these countries so the jury is still out on how exactly different approaches may affect final outcomes. The British government originally spoke about ‘herd immunity’. However this idea was dismissed when it was pointed out that without a vaccine, such an approach is very risky, particularly for vulnerable members of society.
All agreed that should they develop symptoms, they would stay home and self-isolate. A few mentioned calling an emergency hotline number or their doctor. None of the respondents had been tested for corona. But half agreed that they would like to be, especially if showing symptoms. Others did not want to be tested or felt that it was not necessary at this stage. Thom, a 22 year old student from the Netherlands preferred that others who were more vulnerable than he, be tested instead. But Judita, a 41 year old single mother, living in the Netherlands, is more critical of the lack of testing. She views it as part of an ongoing obsession with cost-cutting.
Most important measures for fighting corona virus?
Asked what was most important in the fight against corona virus – responses varied from the need for good hygiene practices, to following government guidelines and self-isolating at home. Judita and 24 year old German student, Nina, both agreed on the importance of a global, cross-country response. Mounia, 44, a French woman living in the Netherlands, believes mass testing is a priority. Evidence from around the globe suggests that this is one of the most effective ways of combating the pandemic. Germany has recently starting rolling out a comprehensive testing initiative, following the examples of South Korean and Taiwan. These countries gained experience in fighting similar pandemics during the SARS outbreak in 2003.
Asked what they have found positive about the pandemic, responses tended to fall into one of two categories. Those who spoke about the chance it has provided to reconnect with friends and family more strongly. And those who celebrate the opportunity it has provided to appreciate the apparently small but often more meaningful things in life. ‘We discover again what is essential, meaningful’ writes Mounia. Lisa in Sweden and Nina in Germany, both acknowledged the importance of the environmental consequences. While Paula, 43, living in Spain, acknowledged that it has encouraged her to develop her online teaching and communication skills.
‘Live life to the fullest and help others less fortunate’ – Claire, Hong Kong.
But perhaps it is with Bea and Claire’s responses that we should finish. Bea’s realization that ‘everything can change in a second’ is surely something that many of us have also felt. While Claire’s commitment to ‘live life to the fullest’ and ‘help others less fortunate’ highlights the need for empathy. Humanity is not perhaps as invincible as we might have thought. If nothing else, this pandemic should give us pause to reflect and reconsider both on an individual and a societal level.