‘How I’m surviving New Zealand’s Level 4 coronavirus lockdown’

New Zealand is in a state of national emergency is in lockdown. From midnight on March 25 (and until further notice), we were advised to stay home in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

It is interesting how I feel with the lockdown in place. It has made me feel a little insecure but also paranoid about germs. Everything that comes into the house is rubbed down with Dettol wipes and I am vigilant with all my food delivered via courier from the supermarket.

Recently I watched a video from a microbiologist who demonstrated how to keep food safe from Covid-19 by washing all the fruit and vegetables in soapy water then rinsing them off and paper towel drying them. It also showed how to deal with other soft packaging — so I took it all to heart and am doing exactly what he said, which has made me feel infinitely more comfortable

I have health care workers coming twice daily. I have asked my provider of these workers to limit them to two only, which seems so far to be working well. At the time of writing I was only in the first week of this new protocol, but I’m hopeful it will remain as such.

They are wearing masks and gloves when they arrive and stay at least 2 meters away from me at all times. Both the workers I have chosen don’t mind the dogs being off leads, but I am aware that they cannot touch the dogs anymore (a shame but something I feel is necessary) for the contamination of the virus on their fur. I might be taking this to the enth degree but it makes me feel better

About a month ago, a friend sent me an order of food from the supermarket, which was very kind. It sat under my table. More recently she arranged another order so I have enough food, drinks and dog food, as well as things like their flea treatment.

I am paid fortnightly. Internet shopping is fully booked a week in advance at the moment. I am grateful that my friend was able to find an opening for my shopping delivery recently otherwise things could have become difficult.

I never thought I would be in lockdown in a pandemic situation. It’s a lot to take in.

My neighbour is able to get out and do her shopping. He recently went to purchase essentials such as bread, milk and salad vegetables, sharing his purchases with me. I saw him decked out in his mask and gloves when he left. When he dropped the items to my doorstep, I washed them (except the lettuce) in soapy water and then wiped with Dettol wipes any packaging, just to be on the safe side.

This is what my life has become. I have noticed increasing paranoid and obsessive behaviours are coming to their own with Covid-19. I feel that with my disabilities, such preparation and protection is well worth it.

I am a Type 2 diabetic. I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and emphysema. I am also diagnosed bi-polar. Add to that my age (70 years) and I fall well into the high risk category for Covid-19. I’m not leaving the house unless it’s to the letterbox to collect the mail for at least the next month.

One of the health care workers has brought the mail in for me. I’m wearing gloves to open the envelopes, a fear that they could be contaminated.

This is so different to how I was living my life a short time ago! I had not a care in the world, but with Level 4 lockdown there are just some things I can’t get out of my mind.

I’m hopeful that the shutdown doesn’t last longer than is necessary, but people continue to flout the rules and it makes it more difficult for those of us doing the right thing.

When we went into lockdown I got involved in the ‘bear hunt’ that some community members have organised for children in the neighbourhood. I’ve put a bear in my front window, even though I live at the rear of a townhouse complex and am unlikely to have anyone walking past. One of the health care workers mentioned that there are a number of teddies in windows, which makes me feel quite glad.

Coronavirus is going to be around for some time yet, I feel. The entire work will be getting a bit of a wake up call. The figures about confirmed cases are mind blowing. I feel there is worse to come before it gets any better.

I hope others are staying safe and looking after each other. It’s important that we all demonstrate kindness to our neighbours, friends and relatives during this difficult time. Just keep your distance while you’re doing it.

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