SHANGHAI LOCKDOWN CHAT - CHIARA

1.

Q:

First of all, can you briefly introduce yourself? (Like, where are you from? How long have you been in Shanghai? Which district are you living? What do you do in Shanghai? ,etc.）

A:

Hey there! I am Chiara from Italy. I moved to Shanghai at the end of 2018 and been living here since then (except for a short period in 2020 when I was stuck in Italy thanks to Covid). I am an Event Project Manager.

2.

Q:

How long have you been in this home quarantine? What's the situation of your area or building? How do you manage to solve the basic grocery problem? Do you have enough supplies at the moment?

A:

Today is my 22nd day at home. I was locked before the official lockdown in Puxi started, because of some cases in my compound. I started home quarantine on March 28th and it was quite a mess because I didn’t even have the opportunity for some last minute groceries hunt before the whole city was locked. We had some cases at the end of March but as far as we know (and trust me getting news is almost impossible because NO ONE tells us anything. No one knows ANYTHING) we might have some new ones recently, but of course we don’t receive any official useful info. We should be already free by now, but of course it’s not happening and instead we’ve been already tested 3 days in a row this week. Speaking of groceries, luckily we have a very active neighborhood group through which it is easy to buy anything I need and I can’t complain.

3.

Q:

Has this lockdown changes your working mode? Is it very different from going to work in the company? What is a typical work day and weekend day for you, during this quarantine?

A:

I used to go to the office everyday so yes, this quarantine completely changed my working mode. On a positive note though, I worked from home for 7 months when I was stuck in Italy in 2020, so I am quite used to it. It is pretty different because my job usually involves a lot of teamworking and interactions with the colleagues which of course is way better and faster in person; while with home working, every day has turned into infinite calls and meetings and sometimes the whole process might be a bit slower. My morning starts with some work out or stroll in the compound areas (I am lucky enough to be allowed to walk outside compared to other stricter compounds), then start working, cooking, working and trying to relax and disconnect as much as I can in the evening. Same for the weekend except for the working part.

4.

Q:

What are the warmest AND the most disappointing social newsyou saw, during this lockdown?

A:

The warmest are definitely all the funny memes and videos which boost the spirits high and make us laugh during these weird moments. Deserved to be mentioned also the news about Chinese people finally protesting and speaking out loud against what is happening. It’s a good sign that things can change. While on the dark side, of course, all the heartbreaking news regarding ill or old people not receiving proper medical treatments, pets murdered for no reason, kids and parents separated and the list can go on.

5.

Q:

We saw so much chaotic news every day, has this changed your impression about Shanghai? From 1-10, how much do you score for Shanghai’s lockdown solutions? Any suggestions to improve?

A:

There are no doubts that this lockdown has been implemented and carried on in a very poorly way, and clearly got out of their hands by now. I am still speechless that in an allegedly modern futuristic city as Shanghai things like this could happen.. and for what? I don’t blame the city or its people (the 老百姓) because unfortunately is all a political issue. I would score it as a 1, because for me is inacceptable that after two years we are still struggling – under such a bad management way - with something that many other countries have accepted and learnt how to process, at the expenses of the population. If the country realizes that there are other more sustainable approaches, like for example starting to coexist with the virus, then maybe we could have some progresses. Until then, I don’t see this happening anytime soon.

6.

Q:

How do you manage to keep your mind relatively stable during this special period? Have you found some good ways of releasing stress or depression?

A:

First of all I have decided to watch less the phone or any screen if not absolutely necessary. I need a detox from all the news and group chats because at the end everything is about either Covid or food and I need a break from all this. Then, I am trying to keep myself busy by reading, watching interesting documentaries, learning new things (such a new language), working out and taking nice walks outside whenever I can. It is the best way to keep ourselves healthy, both mentally and physically.

7.

Q:

From the lockdown, are there any positive lessons or messages that you want to share with other people? (please attach 2-3 representative photos taken during the lockdown)

A:

Of course there are some positive lessons.. after all a dark period is also an opportunity to become stronger and more conscious of our lives and everything that surrounds us. The best part of this mess is definitely seeing how people - no matter what - are connecting and helping each other. And gladly seeing that we are focusing on becoming better selves while appreciating more and more the small things in life such as a hot meal, the kindness of stranger neighbors giving up on some of their groceries for others, the silent but yet loud mutual support and the will to cooperate for building a brighter future. It’s a bit sad that sometimes we only realize it when we experience something bad, but it is a starting point for a good change. We should learn from these situations how to not taking for granted anything in life. Let’s complain less and instead start cherishing more what we are lucky to have!

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