144 days ago, we interviewed Liv from England who had only just moved to China to work as an English teacher. Recently, we caught up with her again, only to find she had since returned to England and is now without a job. Here’s her update on what’s been happening to her and around her.
“The whole “stay home” mantra has been long forgotten and most people refuse to wear masks even though it is encouraged.”Q: Hi Liv, welcome back! What’s happened since the last time we spoke? I heard you’re back in the UK now, why is that?
A: Hello! Yes I came back home to the UK on March 13th. It was a bit of a complicated issue, but my boyfriend was unable to get out to China to live with me and it was looking unlikely for the next few months, if not for the rest of 2020. When I told my boss about how this was affecting me personally, I was told I had to either quit and leave the following week, or stay on for at least another two months. With such uncertainty, I decided I would rather be home safe with my family than stuck in my apartment alone for who knows how long.
What was it like returning to the UK in March? Did you have to undergo quarantine?
I literally walked straight through arrivals in Manchester Airport and no one batted an eyelid. I was not tested and did not have to quarantine, but I did for a week just to be sure, even though I had worn a mask and taken extra precautions the entire journey home.
Shortly after, your prime minister Boris Johnson announced he tested positive for COVID-19. How did you react to that?
I wasn’t surprised. Just days before he had bragged about shaking hands with people and didn’t seem to be taking things seriously. I obviously wouldn’t wish it on anybody but it was his own lack of responsibility and condescending attitude which caused it.
What’s open and what’s closed in the UK these days? Are people encouraged to wear masks or stay home?
As of July 4th, most places will be reopened – pubs, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers, etc. Shops are already opened up but with queueing systems and caps on capacity in place. The whole “stay home” mantra has been long forgotten and most people refuse to wear masks even though it is encouraged.
Have you been looking for a new job since? Is it difficult to find work in the UK these days?
I have been searching for jobs almost every day for the past 4 months, and gotten nowhere with it. It’s extremely difficult and disheartening, as I have had to seek out financial support.
What are the numbers of COVID-19 infected, recovered and demised in the UK right now? Is the situation improving over there?
As I write this, there have been 312,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus (814 today, June 30th), and 43,575 deaths. We are being led to believe that things are getting better and back to normal, but until we have a day of no cases or no deaths, I don’t believe it is improving.
What’s the first thing you’re going to do once the lockdown is lifted?
I will not be doing anything differently once lockdown is lifted. It is far too early based on the stats, and we will no doubt get another spike in cases. The only thing I will do is see my family, but still maintain social distancing wherever possible.
Since you’ve been in two countries during the peaks of this pandemic, which country do you think has handled their epidemic better?
China!!! They enforced a real lockdown–what we have had here in the UK has been very vague and barely enforced. The government has done an awful job in laying out clear instructions, and they have prioritised the economy over the lives of the British people.
What can the UK learn from China in dealing with a pandemic, and vice versa?
Be more efficient and firm with enforcing lockdown. If we have another spike, they need to be more clear. That being said, the people of China are much more respectful of each other and what their government and health system recommends. A large number of the British population lack the same responsibility and respect.
What do you miss most about life before this pandemic?
I miss my friends and family. I feel like I took for granted the littlest things and will make more of an effort and be less lazy once this is all over!
Which 3 items or people are now most important to you?
1—My boyfriend and family, we keep each other going and stay positive.
2—My laptop for keeping connected over Zoom and Skype and giving me things like online courses and my blog to keep me occupied!
3—Not an item or person but my local area and countryside are super important to me—daily walks and discovering beautiful places nearby have helped me mentally during lockdown!
Liv presently lives with her boyfriend and his family. She hopes to be able to get a job soon (“Any job!”) and save as much as possible so that she can travel the world in the future. You can read more about her at her website, www.wheresliv.com or chat with her about finding work during the pandemic using the comment box below.
Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.
If you’re in a country that has been affected by the novel coronavirus and would like to share information about the situation where you’re at, do get in touch with us here.
Other interviews with Liv:
COVID-19 Diaries: The Situation In Foshan, 71 Days In
Photographs courtesy and copyright of Liv. Interviewer: Sy
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