Coronavirus Lockdowns: A Glimpse into Life in Europe

Since making its way around the world, the Coronavirus has affected millions of people. Not only has it killed many in its wake, but it has also caused a disruption in the world that has people fearing for their future.

Many people have been left without a job, are stranded in another country, and are struggling to pay the bills. Others are struggling to find toilet paper and have been under lockdown for several weeks.

Every country has handled the pandemic differently. Some of the lockdowns have differed from others, but the end result has been the same, everyone has been stuck at home. The lockdowns have gone as far as telling people not to go outside to giving officers the ability to arrest anyone who breaks the lockdown regulations. Even with the differences, the lockdowns are in place in order to stop the spread of the virus that has affected our lives.

Curious about the situation in other countries, I interviewed a few people living in different parts of Europe and though the situation is similar to others, some countries have it worse than others.

Lockdowns around Europe

Spain

Blogger, Laura Otero and Influencer, Alani LaMonica both share what its been like living in Spain during the lockdown.

What regulations are in place during the lockdown? We are under quarantine. So we can’t leave our houses, we can only go outside to go to the supermarket, drugstore or hospital. According to the government, this will last until April 11.

What is it like being on lockdown? It’s weird and bizarre. It has its ups and downs. Personally, I have moments of fun, moments when I feel super creative and productive and, of course, moments when the situation overwhelms me.

– Laura Otero, Blogger and Journalist. Follow her journey on her blog, Laura No Está.

How long ago did your country go on Lockdown? March 15th

What is it like being on lockdown? To be honest I didn’t go out too much before this because I work online and spend a lot of time indoors. But it does get frustrating having to be inside 100% of the time when I want to go food shopping for example or for a bike ride with friends. Also, I live in a small town in Spain, about half an hour from Valencia, so it isn’t too harsh and there aren’t a huge amount of people anyway. But if you go out and the police see you, they will ask why you’re out and to see your shopping receipt if that is why you’re out.

– Alani LaMonica, Influencer, Model, and Creator. Check her out on Instagram.

Italy

Video Editor Freelancer, Giulia Saugo gives us a glimpse as to what the situation is in Italy.

What regulations are in place during the lockdown? Bars, restaurants, malls, shops and most of the factories are closed, but you can order takeaway food from restaurants. Everybody must stay at home, people can’t go out either for a walk, we can go out only if really necessary (grocery, pharmacies or for health reasons) with an auto-certificate where we declare where we are going and why.

What items are can you not find, when you go to the grocery store? I can find mostly everything, rarely I have a hard time finding eggs and flour.

– Giulia Saugo, Video Editor Freelancer.

Lithuania

Budget Travel and Active Lifestyle Blogger, Leta gives us the scoop on what is happening in Lithuania.

What regulations are in place during the lockdown? No one can leave or enter the country except for foreigners who are transiting through the country to reach their home and commercial transport that delivers products to and from the country. Every citizen of the country that comes back has to self-isolate for 14 days. All shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, gyms, salons, SPAs, universities, schools, daycares, libraries and other shops, entertainment sectors are closed with an exception for food stores, takeaway options, special veterinaries, and pharmacies.

One person per family is allowed to enter the shop and they have to keep at least 2 m distance while grocery shopping or any other public places. Also, people have to wear gloves and masks when shopping. Working from home is highly recommended unless it is not possible to do so. All events outside and inside with no exceptions are banned. Visitors are not permitted in jails and hospitals. All unnecessary visits to clinics or doctors are not allowed. People also have to keep 2 m distance when in public transport. You can only leave home for important matters such as walking the dog, doing grocery shopping, going to work.

What is it like being on lockdown? It is not as bad as it is portrayed by the media. Of course, it is horrible for small businesses as they have no idea when they will be able to re-open and if they will survive at all. But for regular citizens, it’s quite easy. You work from home (or go to work if that’s your only option), you bulk buy food for a week or two, so you don’t need to go to the grocery store so often and you stay home. With all the technologies and access to digital environments, it’s easier than some like to think.

At the moment, we can still go outside for a quick walk or exercise which we all regard as luxury compared to other countries in Europe that don’t have a right to do so at the moment. But if people continue to disregard rules, we might face a similar situation as Italy or Spain soon. If I had to sum up my feelings about it, I’d say being on lockdown is like living in a constant unknown and anxiety of what will happen tomorrow and how long all this is going to last.

– Leta, Budget Travel and Active Lifestyle Blogger and Part-time Freelancer

Belgium

Blogger and Pro Announcer, Barbara updates us on Belgium.

How long ago did your country go on Lockdown? Since the 13th of March

What items are can you not find, when you go to the grocery store? Toilet paper is becoming one of those things, and sometimes eggs, but we have chickens in the backyard so it is still ok.

What is it like being on lockdown? I am constantly anxious. I am epileptic on the autistic spectrum so I am normally always on the edge of being anxious, and the whole situation, having my parents in Milan, is triggering me daily.

– Barbara Fava, Blogger and Pro Announcer for Sports Events

United Kingdom

Travel Blogger, Joana shares with us what items are hard to find and what its like to be under lockdown.

What items are can you not find, when you go to the grocery store? Flour, Eggs, Bread, Chicken

What is it like being on lockdown? I’ve been working from home so I don’t have much “free time” but I miss going out during the weekend. I ended up canceling a trip to Amsterdam in March and another trip to Norway (10 days in April). These are sad days but I just want everyone to be safe so we can go back to our travels as soon as possible!

– Joana, Travel Blogger

If you’re looking for more on the lockdowns, check out this post on the Expat Interview, where my friend, Barbara talks about the situation in France. Lockdowns are no fun, but they are keeping us safe and there’s plenty you can do, while under lockdown.

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