Well, I guess we all have a little extra free time these days, so I thought I might as well give everyone something to read. I even had time to make a ring from wood!
At first, things were very neutral in Switzerland (naturally). They were one of the last countries in Central Europe to close all schools. Even later than Canada, which has significantly less infected people. Right now Switzerland has around 6500 positive cases, compared to Canada’s 1000.
For a long time, the Swiss government told the public to keep two meters distance from one another, and to wash our hands. As of yesterday, it’s actually a 100CHF fine if you fail to keep a 2m distance. I’m happy to see that people are taking this seriously, but it does make for a very strange atmosphere in the town. At the pharmacy, for example, everyone waits two meters apart from each other in line, and only 6 people are allowed in the pharmacy at once. Inside, there is a line for elderly or sick people, and then a second line for the young and healthy. Between the pharmacists and the customers is a sheet of plastic to prevent airborne infection.
We receive all our schoolwork online now, and many classes are held via video conferencing. My attention span is really being put to the test, I must say, but I think I could get used to this school style. Once this is all over, I think they should start live streaming classes either way. Luckily for me, the whole week has been beautiful weather, so I’ve been spending lotssss of time outside. 
I haven’t been able to see friends a lot, and actually many of my exchange friends are returning to their home countries. Some rotary districts are demanding that their students come home, and in other cases, the parents are asking their kids to return. I personally think this is very scheisse, and if anyone was wondering, I do not wish to come home at all. In fact, every time I receive an email from Rotary, which is often, due to the constant announcements from the government, my heart drops because I think “this is the email where they tell me to go home”. Then I read it, and I can settle down, but my mind is never truly at ease.
I also have been thinking about the aftermath of this Corona-era. In Europe, it’s very common to greet with hugs and kisses, and now this has completely changed. I think to myself, when will we go back to normal? When will the public stop feeling skeptical? I suppose, when the Swiss government sends out a typical eerie message that the situation has been handled. I can’t find a link, but a monotone recording plays on the radios and TVs about a million times a day, telling everyone to stay at home and all that good stuff. It sounds seriously creepy. I’m starting to feel like I am living in a movie, or The Walking Dead.
On the other hand, Mother Nature is thriving in our absence, I don’t know if you have all heard. Very beautiful things are happening around the world. I really hope we can all observe and learn from this, and start making some serious lifestyle changes so that our planet can continue to thrive.
Here are some videos, to get an idea:
Oh! And this week all of Switzerland clapped for the nurses and doctors:
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