My name is Alex Z and this is my third “lockdown” since the pandemic started. My first lockdown I spent in Melbourne, Australia, it was expected to last for 5 days and went on for 112. My second time was when I spent 3 weeks in quarantine after coming to Taiwan and now it is my third time. 

Alex Zabrodskiy came to Taiwan to meet his friend in February. (Source: Alex Zabrodskiy)

Compared to Australia, Taiwan does not have very tight restrictions, it looks like many things outside have not changed too much, markets are open, construction workers are still doing their jobs and people can (but probably shouldn't) leave their homes. 

But in fact things have changed a lot, especially for those who suddenly have to work from home or those who can no longer see their friends and family, however this won’t be forever. I live in Wanhua now and can hear disturbing sounds of ambulances every 10 minutes. It is terrifying and I really hope people taken to hospitals will recover soon. 

Since the outbreak of the epidemic, few passengers have taken the MRT. (Source: Alex Zabrodskiy)

From my experience, it does gradually get more difficult to stay isolated from people for long periods of time and that's where I personally found video calls with loved ones very important. Especially if you live by yourself, being on a video call while working or studying is very helpful. 

Back in Australia I had the privilege of working in a Laboratory, testing covid samples, and I can imagine how overwhelmed healthcare workers are. 

Now, however, I am not working and I personally found it way more difficult to concentrate on things, but me and my partner have found a solution, we started making lists of what we want to achieve throughout the day. If we are successful at achieving planned activities, we get to have milk tea or ice cream and if we fail, I have to do whatever my partner says.  

I hope Taiwan can recover soon, stay healthy and do the right thing. Once the case numbers drop, everyone could go out again!

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Have you read?
♦ Updated daily ｜Taiwan’s Covid-19 Outbreak
♦ NTU expert: Taiwan doesn’t need lockdowns
♦ Taiwan’s hospitals fighting the COVID-19 blues

Uploaded by Penny Chiang