Life in the Times of Coronavirus: Lockdown Day 17

As I mentioned in previous posts, I’ve pretty much stopped watching the news. I keep up to date with the latest restrictions and statistics for informational purposes, but I really do my best to not fall down a vortex of panicked research. (Will it kill me? What do you mean a baby died of COVID-19? Elderly being found dead in their beds all over Spain?) I don’t mean that I do this out of willing ignorance (like the proverbial ostrich burying its head) but instead prefer to focus on things that are in my control. Otherwise, I feel the crushing sense of anxiety over me, like nothing I’d ever felt before.

Et CeteraCarlos CabreraMarch 30, 2020coronavirus, covid-19, community, cerdanyola, news, good news

Life in the Times of Coronavirus: Lockdown Day 15

Today came the good news that though infections are still rising, the overall situation in Spain seems to have stabilized, as it seems that the social distancing practices are starting to have the desired effect of slowing down the transmission of the coronavirus. Let me repeat that: staying at home, sacrificing time with our friends and family, being responsible citizens by considering our own health as well as that of our community – these lockdown measures are finally beginning to bear fruit.

Et CeteraCarlos CabreraMarch 28, 2020covid-19, coronavirus, solidarity, community, doctors, gratitude, mariaComment

Life in the Times of Coronavirus: Lockdown Day 12

Today marks a dozen days of desolate streets. This coming Friday will mark two weeks since things accelerated very quickly all over Spain due to the coronavirus pandemic. We’ve spent 95% of that time indoors, adhering to the strict regulations in place during the government-enforced lockdown. And though the state of emergency is due to expire on April 11, and the confinement is due to end on April 13, the feeling among most folks is that it will most likely be extended until the end of April. Spain, which has as of today surpassed China in terms of the death toll, has an astounding 47,610 cases of coronavirus, of which 9,937 are in Catalonia.

Et CeteraCarlos CabreraMarch 25, 2020community, cerdanyola, catalunya, covid-19, coronavirus, applause, neighborsComment

Life in the Times of Coronavirus: Lockdown Day 10

It’s hard not to let so much bad news get to you. It was raining today, and I watched the headlines while my coffee finished brewing. More deaths, more infections; fewer jobs, less confidence that the economic and healthcare systems will hold. The rain lashed against the window; the wind beat against the cold glass and howled under the front door. The weather turned even darker in time with the terrible news. The smell of brewing coffee began to fill the flat, and after I’d poured myself a huge mug (I love coffee), I made the best decision I’ve made all day: I switched (and kept) the television off.