Covid-19 worries: Me and Us
The latest news from Cafestudy
Posted by: Caféstudy
31st Mar 2020 05:11pm
It’s no surprise that a lot of people are worried about the current Covid-19 situation. We asked you, our Cafestudy community, what your worries were to try to break this down and understand exactly what these concerns are. This research has revealed that, while immediate and personal concerns are at the top of mind, for many it goes much further to a fear for the broader community.
The coronavirus itself
The most obvious concern that people have is that they or their loved ones will catch or, perhaps worse, pass on Covid-19 to others. Many are particularly concerned about the more vulnerable in society: the elderly or those with medical conditions who are more likely to suffer a serious sickness.
I am an educator in a long day care centre and what concerns me is I catch it and not know if I have it and pass it on to the children in our car. I’ve also got my children at home. If I catch it then I might pass it on to my family.
I'm most worried about people becoming infected with this virus especially the elderly and frail.
Finances
Similarly, worries about finances are about more than just individuals. While many are uncertain about their own jobs, they are also worried about the implications on the Australian and global economy, for businesses large and small.
The job loss and the economy are clearly already struggling, with hundreds of workplaces closing, limiting hours or firing workers. This is leaving people helpless and vulnerable; in a time of need, they are being left with nothing and no hope of income. It’s heartbreaking.
Societal impacts
The effect of the pandemic on the mental health of others, and in particular children, is another serious concern. This is heightened by the sight of panic buying by some in the community, which leads people to worry about whether they will be able to buy even the basics.
I am worried about older, disabled and more vulnerable people first and foremost. If I am struggling to get basic supplies, then I can't even imagine how they are doing and how they will get these supplies.
My daughter and I went shopping today to get groceries and I was amazed at the empty shelves and the despair on the faces of some older members of society.
Uncertainty
The underlying driver of all of these fears is not knowing what the results will be and how long the pandemic will continue. With no certain end in sight, these worries will not go away easily.
Fortunately, this research has highlighted a level community social awareness that exists in Australia. Most people are not just fearful for themselves and their families, but also for other people. While we all wait for solutions, we need both strong leadership and a sense of community that unites and ensures that no-one is forgotten.
Comments 17
bj
I am in the iffy range as I call it, if I really need it I get it, if I dont I will side line till I really need it. In saying that I think some work areas should be compulsory. Nurses, Drs, Teachers, flight attendants, any one at all who is in constant touch with others at work.
Brad
Personally, we're fine on 10 acres, with much of our food home-grown... and far too much to keep us busy! We do worry about our two thirty-something sons in the US (Seattle) and Canada (Montreal). Both have been in lockdown for eight months, with no way of getting home to WA in the foreseeable future... .
William Tell
I am so very concerned about people of all ages are being subjected to losing their jobs and the effects on their families too. How iscAustralias econony is going to fully recover I do not know. I feel that there will be a world wide recession soon if not happening now.
Jen88
I am worried about future job opportunities and the economy of australia. If we end up in something like the GFC again that is very worrying. The current panic buying of Australians is quite concerning, anc it is worrying that people who panic buy do not understand supply an demand, then theg complain about prices going up.
wendel
I watch the news to check on things, like how many infected and restrictions. Am retired, so not much affects me.
jjdrer
The people at most risk are elderly, have compromised immunity, or have other medical problems and combinations of other problems being made dangerous such as Epilespy, Diabetes, Asthma or other breathing problems.
annie
This Pandemic in Australia and around the world at the moment is something that we have never seen before.Australians have to follow the 1.5 meter rule and self isolate at home to get the virus under control.this is a difficult time for everyone as there are people not being able to visit their grand children or there elderly parents.i have a son and a daughter whose wedding were in May and July 2020.Our son has postponed his to next year but my daughter has moved hers to August 2020 so we will see what happens.
victory
We have isolated, staying home, we are both over 70 my husband has lung cancer and needs more care, so we are really worried, no grandchildren, no other family. I have food & toilet rolls delivered from a service provider, and sure it is easier, but I worry about who has handled the food, as I always cooked all our meals, we have to accept and trust and be grateful. Community is very helpful. We have been tested for Covid-19 and both negative, had flu needle. The fear of putting on more weight and not exercising is also a health worry, so I am about to purchase an exercie bike. Jigsaw puzzle is our sanity. Most people are worried about losing their work, that is a fear factor as well as the ones who don't have a job are lining up for jobseeker and jobstart. Everyone has to try and stay positive and hopeful we will get there, keep hand washing and sanitizing, cleaning our environment and keep 1.5 - 2 metres distance from others.
wendel
I guess I'm lucky in a way. I have been retired early, to look after my husband, after he had some illness issues. Can go shopping when I need to. Don't worry too much about things, I am happy to stay home and be busy in the garden. I get groceries I need for a fortnight to keep us going.
bj
I live in a remote area, so I dont go to shops every day it is usually only once a fortnight. I have a few basic standbys but dont over fill store and freezer. My point with this is that if you live close to town, you can go in and out every day and get your 2 limit items on every shelf item you want and dont really need. Because of the long trip both ways that is not an option for me. BUT I can still only get 2 of each item. Once again the bush folks miss out.
chickenman
what worries me, is people that don't seem to care about catching and spreading the virus. to me it seems like because they can't see it, it is of no concern to them. also people and groups wanting restrictions lifted while the virus is still active. it will be interesting to see what happens in the European Countryie already starting to lift restrictions.
Libbazz
I'm a Relief Educator and my income has vanished. This normally is a busy period for me. I have applied for some sort of assistance from Centrelink, but until they get back to me I'm in limbo. The company I work for doesn't do the Jobkeeper assistance payments. Also there's a directive from the Education Dept that people over 60 and those with compromised health issues are excluded from school grounds. I'm over 60 and have severe asthma, so that puts me out of work indefinitely. Self isolation and the worry of no income continues for me until the virus exhausts itself.
jules 1
Obviously with my age and health, I am concerned I may get this virus, so I mainly stay in my home each day. Two mornings a week at 7am I go shopping for 30 to 40 mins.
I was walking with a group of ladies which was run through the Heart Foundation for 2 mornings a week, but this was stopped due to the virus, I really missed this so much. So each morning now I get up early in the morning and walk around my back & front garden for 45 mins, this really helps me a lot mentally. My cat likes to follow me as I am walking around the the 2 gardens, .. bless her.
I really miss the freedom of just going to the larger shopping Centres to just browse in the shops, maybe go for a coffee, or meet up with a friend, I have not done this in the last 5 weeks, and miss this also.!
I feel for the families with small children that may live in a flat, or a small apartment, or small house, no gardens, and just can't get out of their home due to the virus.! This must be so hard for them, I feel sorry for them. Also the people that live on the streets, my heart breaks for them.!
I pray the virus can be cured very soon for everyone in the world, so we can get on with our lives again, and appreciate each day now.!
jules 1
Obviously, my main worry I have is going down with this virus, so I stay home all day apart from when I go to the supermarket 2 days a week around 7am. I am usually in the supermarket for around 30 - 40 mins.
After shopping, also the other 5 days I don't go shopping, I get up early in the morning and walk around my back garden, then to the front garden, down my drive and continue around to the back garden, then back to the front. I do this for 45 mins each day, I feel good after doing this walk each day to try and break up some of the boredom!
I really miss the freedom of just being able to just go out to the larger Centres to browse around at the shops, go for a coffee, meet up with a friend. This is really something I miss doing!
Mammabear
I’m more worried that I’m loving this quiet, relaxed, chilled lifestyle. No where I have to be except home here with my family.
Chezweb
Everyone needs to adhere to the government guide lines to get this virus under control. If people stopped gathering in large groups & keep there distance from each other we will make it through this. Its especially hard for the elder people who are at higher risk. We all need to support each other as much as possible at this time.
Chia31984416
Agree! Follow the government guidelines, take COVID seriously and adapt to the lifestyle of staying at home. I have encountered elderly people asking me where to buy masks and it was heartbroken. I told them I got mine from a stall outside coles weeks ago but I haven't seen them since. While not everyone is able to buy masks and hand sanitisers, staying home means less aggregation in public spaces and supermarkets, and therefore safer for elderly people who don't have full protection when they go out.