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.

Chris, Juliet & Gaia

Name & Job

Juliet – Associate Assistant Principal in a secondary School.

Have you been working or furloughed?

I have been working throughout this pandemic. In the first lockdown it was mixed, I would be in the school and working from home. This current lockdown I have been home the whole time.

What was your first lockdown (March 2020) experience like?

I needed it. My life before lockdown was stressful because of my previous job. I then started a new job 3 weeks before we were told to stay home. For me, it was a good time to recuperate. I also enjoyed it because our family had more time to bond together, as usually we are all too busy. So having the time off was valuable. 

What were your first thoughts of COVID-19?

In my previous school the students started panicking saying that it’s coming, and I didn’t believe them, I just continued about my normal life. It wasn’t until I started my new job that the news started talking about deaths and then we had lessons on how to wash hands that it sunk in. I didn’t think it was going to become as big as it has and life changing for so many people.

What has your third lockdown (January 2021) experience been like?

I feel this lockdown has been better in some ways. As we already previously had 2 lockdown, we knew what to expect. Teaching massively stepped up and lessons went online. It is more intense, but it is good for people to have normality again.

What are your current thoughts on COVID-19.

I want it gone. I want to be immunised and then things will be fine.

What are you doing for our own well-being?

I take part in the Joe Wicks exercises. We take our dog out for a walk. We are quite lucky as we have a country park nearby that we can go to. Buying and cooking nice food has also helped and myself and Gaia like to experiment with baking.

Name & Job

Chris – Painter and Decorator

Have you been working or furloughed?

During the first lockdown I was a market manager for monsoon. I was then put onto furlough and then was made redundant. During this time, I was thinking about what I wanted to do so I retrained and started a business in painting and decorating.

What was your first lockdown (March 2020) experience like?

As I wasn’t sure what was happening with my job I felt less anchored and uncertain about things. Things at home was really nice, I had more time to spend with my wife and daughter.

What were your first thoughts of COVID-19?

Working in retail I was more aware to COVID than my wife was. We had to prepare things like sanitiser stations and get geared up for it. When lockdown hit, we had no idea what would happen. I think that it crept up on everyone, we tried to do something, but it was too late.

What has your third lockdown (January 2021) experience been like?

I’ve been working as normal. I take COVID precautions, but I can go into people’s home to decorate and also work outside. It’s nice to have a form of normality and business it okay.

What are your current thoughts on COVID-19.

I don’t like it. It’s rubbish.

What are you doing for our own well-being?

I go running with a friend (socially distanced). I also take the dog for a walk to the local country park. I was cycling before but weather has had an impact on this.

Name & Job

Gaia – School Pupil

Have you been working or furloughed?

First lockdown I was at home and completing schoolwork. During this lockdown I go to into school as my mum is a key worker.

What was your first lockdown (March 2020) experience like?

I thought it was really good. I would occasionally have to find things to do as both my parents were busy working. I did play with my dog as she is full of energy. Our neighbours have also been very supportive and friendly. On the down side I did have trouble with my sleeping as I was anxious about COVID and what was going to happen.

What were your first thoughts of COVID-19?

I didn’t know much about it, I just knew it hurt people which I didn’t like.

What has your third lockdown (January 2021) experience been like?

I like going to school again as I get to see my friends in the week. I know who I will play with on which days. It’s good to have a routine back and to have more access to learning. We have both remote learning and face-to-face teaching in the school.

What are your current thoughts on COVID-19.

I don’t think anybody likes it as it has occupied most of the world. Some lucky places have low levels but we aren’t so fortunate.

What are you doing for our own well-being?

We got a new kitten, which I treat like a baby. I love to bottle feed him. I also play with my neighbour outside.