Week 3 - April 20, 2020 - Cabin Fever Sets In

As cabin fever sets in our friends take time to reflect, finding things to be thankful for.

BY G P Kennedy

The Coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world. Our friends check in this week with their stories of how things are developing where they live. We see different rates of spread, speed of reaction from politicians, and responses from citizens. One thing that is becoming increasingly common is the sense that cabin fever is setting in. While that can be claustrophobic and reductive it also affords our friends time to think – for good and ill.

 I pose an additional question this week. As some nations start to plan for reopening and establishing a ‘new normal’ I ask, How would you feel and act if your city/state/nation opened things back up next week?

 We start this week in Africa, where the virus strikes at the very top of Nigeria’s government as Death’s scythe cuts down a senior aide to the president.

Peace – Lagos, Nigeria

 Third week of the total lockdown there has been increased testing and increasing numbers. People are not happy with the lockdown because most people make money on a daily pay. Well this phase of lockdown finishes on the 27th April but there has been some public unrest.

 On Saturday we lost Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Buhari, a man many blamed for many issues in Nigeria. Kyari apparently he caught the COVID19 in Europe sometime early March. What has been exhibited in the death of the COS is the total lack of empathy and sympathy. It's actually disgusting to watch regardless of how one feels about this man it's important to realize he is somebody's husband and father. The world is facing a Pandemic people are dropping dead in 1000's and we still have time for hate? For a country like mine that probably has more religious people per square mile (I laugh) we also seem to have more people who have zero compassion.  Nigerians are quick to say that COVID19 is not our portion but not quick to practice compassion. Why this is important in the COVID19 journey of my country is that now attention will be pushed from the fight on COVID19 to the jostling for who the next COS to Our president will be.

 Some how am glad I live in Lagos as the Governor seems to be very hands on in dealing with this issue and not distracted Lagos State has treated and released over 90 patients of their 243 patients. Quiet week at home this week, reading books while the community was at alert for people who came looking for food to survive. I am now looking at how COVID19 would impact on the film industry in Africa - still an ongoing study

Formulating an oil that can be used for steam inhalation which is a combination of lemon, Neem and onion oil with coconut oil .As the leaves cannot be sent out early but the oil can, there is no cure but we can surely build our immunity up.

 Cabin fever setting in.

 We all have to wear Masks if we go outside from 24th April so apart from food supplies we now need to help most vulnerable get masks. We don't when the lockdown will be eased of as local community transmission has set in, the next 10 days is vital for Nigeria to see if we can flatten the curve.

Daniel – New York City, USA

 We’re still doing pretty well. I’ve been having a lot of phone conversations with friends, just sharing stories about how we’re adapting to the situation. One thing that’s come up in a number of those conversations is how, paradoxically, life seems a lot simpler now. This doesn’t mean that people aren’t doing things and making good use of the time, just that a lot of the day-to-day decisions aren’t there anymore. Things like social plans, decisions about whether or not you’re going to go out to dinner, about whether or not you’ll go to this concert or that dance performance (or museum or whatever). We get up, make something to eat, do stuff, have lunch, do more stuff, eat again, then maybe watch something on TV, and then go to bed. Go to the grocery once a week. And that’s it.

 Hand-in-hand with that feeling - that life for many of us is, in a way, simpler - is the absence of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), that’s something else we’ve all been talking about. I have to say, I didn’t think I was a person who thought about that at all, but I’m realizing that - in normal times - I always felt a certain amount of regret and anxiety about the things I wasn't doing. Wondering if I was missing something when I stayed at home on a given night.

 Envy and competitiveness are also on my mind right how and how they just seem to be gone for me right now. We’re all just doing our own things. We’re all stuck at home. We’re all on our own. That’s just the thing.

 In the US, our idiot president has openly backed armed rebels against state governments. What more is there to say? In New York, the good news is that the worst of the health crisis seems to be over for now. That’s a relief.

 My wife’s parents continue to shelter in place in their apartment on the Upper West Side. We’re cycling up every other week to bring them groceries (my brother in law and his wife do it the weeks we don’t) and, while we’re happy that they’re safe and fed, it’s clear that this is taking a toll on them. That’s difficult for their kids.

 In our immediate neighborhood - the East Village - things remain the same. The grocery stores remain well stocked and there don’t seem to have been any more restaurant or store closings. In Soho, which is about a ten-minute walk from here, things are almost completely deserted. No cars, very little foot traffic. I’m a photographer and I’ve been going over every few days to take pictures. On the one hand, I feel like it’s such a cliché - the photos of the deserted streets - but I also know it’s the only way I’ll be able to recall exactly what this was like. Of course that’s assuming that we get back to normal at some point...

 Well, I picked up work on a record that I was in the middle of making and that’s been great. As a result of what’s going on, I reached out to an old (and very close) friend about playing guitar on it, and his playing (he already finished four songs) has transformed it. That felt great. And exciting. No particular lowlight, but I do have to keep away from the Trump news. Every time I hear anything coming out of his pie hole, it makes me furious.

 I also spoke with a few professional musician friends who expressed their fear that their business - particularly playing in front of people - will be gone for at least a year (and possibly longer). That’s heartbreaking to me.

 How would I feel if your city/state/nation opened things back up next week? That’s such a good question. If things opened up because the health experts believed it was the right thing to do, I’d be thrilled for everyone who is in financial distress. But if things were opened up for economic reasons - and that it created more risk of a second wave - I’d be livid. In terms of how I’d act, that’s an even better question! Would I wear a mask? Would I limit my grocery shopping trips? Would I hug people? Would I socialize with people? It’s something I haven’t even begun to think about, what this new “normal” will look like.

Espe - Perth, Australia

 6,606 confirmed cases in Australia and 70 deaths. We have enjoyed a quiet week of good health. Lots of chats with friends and family watched several movies and played board games.  Built a home for our quale’s and did some gardening.

 The Education Department is still reviewing Term 2 return for students.  It is looking quite likely students will return to school in Term 2.  I find this to be contradictory to what is currently in place with social isolation.  The local park with playground has been closed and sectioned off by our council.  Beaches have been closed, cafés, libraries as well yet within a week our children will be sent to school and will be sharing a space with 30 other students per class.  This just does not make sense to me.  I would like to see health put first and students stay at home for at least another month.  

 How would you feel and act if your city/state/nation opened things back up next week?'

Not at all safe with this decision.  I would continue to self-isolate.

Ian & Minako – Tokyo, Japan

 We are both well and in good spirits. The number of daily reported cases for Tokyo reached over 200. There have been 68 deaths so far. Nationally there have been over 9800 cases and 207 deaths.

 Some hospitals in our area are installing temporary structures outside solely for covid19 testing.

The state of emergency, which initially only covered some prefectures has now been extended to the whole of Japan. The measures appear to be having some effect as the number of train passengers is gradually falling and is now down by around 70% at the major stations. The Government are aiming for an 80% reduction in close contacts overall.

 The Government has announced that all residents, regardless of income status, will receive 100,000 yen (930 US$). But they have to apply for it and this is viewed more as an effort to boost consumption and the economy rather than covering workers lost wages. Details are still to be finalized, the authorities move very slowly here.

 There have been about 162 cases of covid19 in our ward, which has a population of over 550,000 in western Tokyo. We have started taking our daily walk in the park earlier in the day, as it's so busy. It can be hard to believe there is a lockdown but most of these people are just like us, taking their daily exercise in their local park.

 We live between two town centers; the larger one is far quieter than normal as the shopping malls and large stores are closed. Whereas the smaller town, which is more residential with many small independent shops, seems almost normal, some shops even busier as so many people are staying in the area instead of commuting downtown.

 We bought a small bench from the nearby DIY store (“Home Centre” in Japan), which is still open. We can now comfortably sit on our balcony with a cuppa on sunny days and soak up more vitamin D and fresh air.

 It was disheartening this week to hear of more of our favorite cafes and shops announcing temporary closure or reduced services. It is understandable that they need to reduce the health risk to their staff and themselves.

 As the weather improves it seems more difficult to maintain social distancing especially as the restrictions are vague and non-enforceable.  We have to motivate ourselves to enjoy staying home.

How would you feel and act if your city/state/nation opened things back up next week?

Whilst many nations are starting to relax their lockdowns, or at least plan to do so, Japan is far behind as our lockdown is only just taking effect.

Tassy – Karachi, Pakistan
 It has now been 6 weeks of lock down for us. The Pakistani Government has extended the lockdown by another two weeks though there has been some relaxation of measures with some businesses like plumbers, dry cleaners, and restaurants (for delivery of food only), opening. There has been much excitement following this news. I fear though that this will lead to a huge spike in COVID cases, as standard operating procedures for social distancing and hygiene in a largely uneducated country will not be followed. I think that a lockdown for longer than 6 weeks is just not sustainable here.

 The majority of its 220 million citizens are already feeling the economic repercussions of lockdown. People are struggling having lost their livelihoods. Pakistan’s informal economy accounts for approximately 70% of non-agricultural employment. Right now a meeting is taking place between the Government ministers and clerics to discuss whether or not Friday afternoon congregational prayers in mosques should be allowed. This has been a point of some contention these past few weeks. Talks are also under way to discuss rules that need to be enforced during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins in a week’s time.

 My fear is of losing loved ones and falling ill myself. Even if and when things open up, I would like to continue leading a life as similar to what I’m doing right now. I may have to make some exceptions when it comes to my work, and I will definitely be more paranoid and fearful if and when I step outside.

 Coming from a privileged background, I feel as if I am exempt from the hardships that the rest are undergoing, and am ashamed at myself when I even complain about being cooped up at home. Most people are living in cramped homes with several living in a room. Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water is fine for us but even water is a luxury here when few have access to running water in their homes.

 My day-to-day life and daily routine has remained unchanged from the time lockdown began. The highlights of my week have literally been Zoom calls with friends. I do go through phases of anxiety and concern about the uncertainty that lies ahead. I have difficulty sleeping at night. But as I remind myself again and again, these are ‘problems’ of the privileged.  

 I am trying to live my life more mindfully with the smallest things giving me pleasure; the joys of plucking new vegetables from my garden or seeing new flowers bloom to the Bougainvillea outside my bedroom window bursting with color. I am reading more, doing more yoga and meditation than I ever did before.  For the time being, I am grateful that another week has gone by where I am well, and my family is well.

Sally – London, UK

 So we are now a month into this new “normal” life of ours and we are still well! I am struggling with mental and physical health.  Groundhog Day comes to mind and talking of days, what day even is it?  Do days even matter anymore?  It feels like there is no weekend, no Monday mornings or lazy Sundays.  The only day I know it is, is when I get a text from my mum on Thursdays reminding me that at 8pm we #clapforourcarers. Its nice to think that even though I am not with my family or friends, we are all doing the same thing at the same time each week by thanking the people that are saving us. I am super tired which is caused by the baby still waking numerous times for feeding through out the night but also I think through boredom.

 Boris Johnson got out of hospital and thanked the NHS (that’s the same NHS that the Tories have been cutting budgets from for years….) and then he went to recuperate in his second home, which is against the Cover 19 rules! One rule for them and one rule for everyone else.

The number of Covid 19 related deaths keeps rising but finally we are now having the kits to start testing the front line workers. Family and friends are still keeping well.  Our daily routine is still the same with our one walk in the park and to the supermarket to get food if we need.

The baby turns one next week so we have been trying to buy little gifts on the Internet and things to decorate the house and to bake a cake (flour is still hard to find after the initial panic buying) so we have bought a cake kit just in case we can’t find any flour.

 I bumped into a work colleague on one of our walks and it was nice to have a conversation with someone else, albeit at the safe 2 meters.

 A group of us got together on Zoom to do an online Pub Quiz.  There were 3 couples and we played against each other and had a few beers.  It was great, almost like being out in a pub with friends and having a good old catch up. The hangover the next day and a baby don’t go well!

 A 99 year old Army Captain, Tom Moore, decided to walk 10 laps of his garden a day to walk 100 laps before his 100th birthday and raise money for the NHS.  He was aiming to raise £1,000 but this went viral and as of writing this article he has raised over £20,000,000

 As I mentioned earlier its all starting to feel like Groundhog Day, days are merging into one, I have a list of things that need doing around the flat but the baby is constant and although we have all the time in the world, I feel like I don’t have any time.

 How would you feel and act if your city/state/nation opened things back up next week?’

 If everything opened next week I certainly wouldn’t be first in the queue to go to the pub or a restaurant, I think I would still play it safe for a while.  But what I definitely would do would be to drive to Liverpool to see my parents and let them see the baby, as I know they are desperately missing her, and us.  Then once we had spent a few days there I would go to Wales so my boyfriend could see his family.

Gul – Istanbul, Turkey

 Dealing with Covid 19 cabin fever. We’re trapped inside our apartment. It’s very though for us being confined. Also, I became overly cautious when we have a delivery. I clean every item that comes into our house. I leave all groceries outside in the balcony and wipe down all packaging before I place them to the fridge or cupboards. What if a sick delivery person transfers the virus to me? I know I shouldn’t let the fear control me.

 Last weekend, the Turkish government implemented a 48-hour curfew for 31 provinces including Istanbul where we live. We’re entering the second one at the moment. But at the rate Turkey is going right now, there is risk this part time lockdown won't be sufficient. We have now 78,000 cases in total and the death toll is over 1,700. It’s mandatory to wear masks in public so everyone is looking for some masks. Sadly, pharmacies are banned to sell them. The government is trying to supply enough masks to everyone.

 It is difficult not being able to connect with family and friends in person at the moment but we keep in touch with everyone through WhatsApp, Zoom, and Jitsi. My sister lives only 5 minutes away but we’re unable to visit each other’s homes. Living in a big city like Istanbul there’s no real sense of community left. You’re surrounded by people but connected to no one. We’ve been living in this building for 3 years but we don’t know anybody’s name. Even in these difficult times, we only exchange the odd wave or nod to our neighbours.

 After 6 weeks without alcohol, we managed to find a wine supplier and we’ve now plenty of the essential stock.  Also we watched The Good Fight, an American legal TV series. When you’ve been in quarantine for 6 weeks and you’ve forgotten what day it is. Events are showing in my calendar everyday nothing is happening, it’s very sad.

 Isolation sucks.

 How would you feel and act if your city / state/nation opened things back up next week?

 Everyone is thinking what they’ve missed, what they’d be doing first when the pandemic ends but I wouldn’t terminate my social isolation immediately. I’m not feeling safe at the moment. Our country/city is not ready for a normal life yet.