Lockdown: How it impacted people's lives

Thursday 25 March 2021

Today we pass another milestone in the ongoing corona virus pandemic. It has been one year since the Bailiwick went into its first lockdown and Express' Matthew Leach took to the streets to find out how it impacted people's lives.

Following the first case of community transmission, the Bailiwick of Guernsey entered its first lockdown on 25 March 2020. This was followed by a six-stage phased release into the Bailiwick Bubble, which eventually led to community restrictions being lifted at the beginning of June.

In January this year, after four cases were recorded with no known source, the islands entered their second lockdown. Two months later, the 'Bailiwick Bubble' is back, while travel-related quarantine restrictions remain intact. 

“I think a lot of people have been affected differently,” said Manuela Brown, 56. “I hope we now all learn to live with it. I think Guernsey’s approach to the pandemic has been very good."

Pictured: Ex-Chief Minister, Deputy Gavin St Pier [right], announced our first lockdown on 25 March 2020. Consequently, the now President of P&R, Deputy Peter Ferbrache [left], announced the second lockdown on 23 January 2021.

The effects of two severe lockdowns have left people feeling slightly unsure of the future. Ray Mauger, 72, isn’t convinced we’ve seen the end of it.

“I’m still concerned about the virus and whether or not this can happen again. I’m very concerned about the future.”

“The last year has been very hard,” said Pat Venda, 82. “It’s stopped me from being able to catch up with an old friend. I hope we can start travelling again soon.”

Despite the undeniable negative effects of lockdown, some people have been utilising the time for good.

“We’ve utilised this time to renovate our house,” said Viv Schreibke, 43. “We used to travel a lot before, so this has all quite significantly changed our lives, but we’ve been enjoying being in Guernsey – the island has a lot to offer.”

Pictured: St Peter Port has seen people return as the island returns back to the Bailiwick Bubble.

“I like working from home when it isn’t a necessity,” added Chris Gnapp, 42. “There were elements of lockdown I enjoyed, there were elements I didn’t enjoy.”

The response to how the States of Guernsey tackled the pandemic were mainly positive.

“I think the States Of Guernsey tackled the situation very well,” said Mr Mauger, “especially if you look around at how the rest of the world is coping.”

Ms Schreibke said there were pros and cons: “The States dealt with the pandemic excellently first-time round. The second time round… I think the last two weeks [lockdown] have been unnecessary.

“I think we could’ve been back in the workplace last week. This second lockdown has left a bad feeling.”

Pictured: Many people have been forced to work from home during both lockdowns.

"I don't think it has affected me too much," said 23 year old Tom. "I enjoyed working from home. I just now think it would be great for all the vulnerable people to be vaccinated and us all be able to travel again."

Alex, 21, said it has opened his eyes to what Guernsey has to offer. "I've definitely changed," he said, "it's all taught me to appreciate Guernsey."

Matthew, 22, agreed: "I appreciate being outside, since our restrictions have been less severe than the UK and we've been allowed outside for most of this year."

Some have found the change in lifestyle positive.

"I've spent more time with my family," said Sam, 37. "We're more aware of our health. I hope we come out of this better and fitter than last year, hopefully I can come out of this experience as a better person."

Ms Schreibke concluded by looking to the future and hoping the lessons we’ve learned can be used in our day to day lives.

“I hope for us all to get back to normal soon. I hope we all use the positives in the future, I myself have become more conscious of giving myself ‘down-time’”.