Over February half term I wanted to interview people about their experience during this pandemic. I took photographs of these people outside their home and they answered a few questions I had to ask. Below are the responses of these individuals.

Name & Job Title:

Fiona – Non-Clinical Director

Have You Been Working Or Furloughed?

We closed the clinic at the start of the March 2020 lockdown and reopened end of May. Despite having a 35% drop compared to last year we are still grateful that we are able to remain open as health care as there are many businesses closing as they aren’t allowed to open.

What Was Your First Lockdown (March 2020) Experience Like?

Looking back at it I can just remember the sunny weather. It was all new but also stressful. As I own the business, I was having to manage that at home whilst juggling with the kids being at home. I tried being outdoors as much as it could as this made it easier.

What Were Your First Thoughts Of COVID-19?

At the start a few of us were joking around and then I can remember my sister calling me and saying that my newphews school thinks that a child has got that virus as he’s just come back China. We then started to get new health care posters about washing hands etc, so at this point we thought we would have to take things seriously. It wasn’t until a week before the first lockdown that I actually COVID-19 unknowingly so that was quite scary.

What Has Your Third Lockdown (January 2021) Experience Been Like?

Bloody hideous! The weather is dire and I’m not normally good in the winter anyway. I think it’s harder because there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. We’ve lost all of our reserves that we were able to pull on last year too but still trying to stay positive where we can.

What Are Your Current Thoughts On COVID-19.

I’m quite worried about the future of the economy and for the younger generation. It’s also concerning to think how many people this virus has affected just to protect the minority, which obviously is an ethical issue. I’m not sure what is the right answer is, but I’m not convinced the vaccine is the right answer either.

What Are You Doing For Your Own Well-Being?

I try to exercise where I can, I do some baking at home, breathing techniques and cold showers. We like to take the dog out for a walk and also trying to stay busy working to keep my sanity.

Name & Job Title:

Katy – Practice Manager

Have You Been Working Or Furloughed?

We closed the clinic at the start of the March 2020 lockdown and reopened end of May.

What Was Your First Lockdown (March 2020) Experience Like?

Strangely looking back at the lockdown, it was quite positive. The weather was lovely so I was sat out in the garden for most of it. It was weird because everyone was in their own bubble. My Husband was furloughed so we got to do DIY around the house. I also felt lucky that we had access to a garden as I know some people struggled with staying indoors in a flat with no outdoor communal areas.

What Were Your First Thoughts Of COVID-19?

I thought it was the world’s way of saying ‘let’s just chill out a bit.’ It’s become so technology minded and the population has overgrown. Viruses and diseases come from somewhere and there are still things we don’t have cures for such as the common cold. I feel there was a lot of scare mongering from the media.

What Has Your Third Lockdown (January 2021) Experience Been Like?

This has been different because of the weather. We have been in company of a dog for the last couple of months, so we have been able to go out for walks. Just trying to keep sane using video calls to speak with family and friends.

What are your current thoughts on COVID-19.

I feel everyone has their own personal experiences with it, especially those clinically vulnerable. I’m 16 weeks pregnant so I’ve had to start being more careful of myself which is hard. In October my husband caught COVID-19 but I did not show any symptoms. I have gained antibodies from this though so it is scary to think how contagious the virus is without knowing.

What Are You Doing For Your Own Well-Being?

Music and the radio have kept me sane. I have also listened to a few podcasts here and there.