Back to “normal”

These past few weeks, Switzerland has been slowly finding its way back to “normality”. Restaurants are serving food again, museums and zoos have opened their doors and restrictions like the 5-people-rule have been eased. There are more cars and people in the streets again, reclaiming public spaces. Although this crisis isn’t bound to be over quite yet, the Swiss population has regained certain liberties.

That said, we never experienced a complete confinement. Yes, there were a lot of restrictions and yes, life as we knew got turned upside down like never before, but there was no curfew or obligatory quarantine for everyone. Although we have a high number of cases in comparison with the population, although many people lost their job and it will take a long time to restore the Swiss economy, we still live in a privileged country.

And yes, I am well aware that even amongst the privileged Swiss I’m in an especially privileged situation. My family is safe and sound; there have been some adjustments that took getting used to, but we have a roof over our head and food on the table. My parents still have their jobs and I don’t have a business or any debts to worry about. My life is not normal right now (whatever that actually means), but it’s not terrible either.

So this is why I almost feel embarrassed when talking to friends living in other countries, especially in South America. While we can enjoy ice creams at the lake again or popcorn at the movies, they are still confined at home and can only go out with a special permission. Our lockdown is slowly lifted while their governments add another 15 days of confinement and another and another… Not to mention the fear of getting sick whilst their already weak healthcare system is on the brink of collapsing. And once they’ll be finally allowed to move more freely again, there will be the whole aftermath to deal with. Already unstable, debt-ridden economies and no several billion emergency plans to count on.

Now, you might tell me to stop moralising or making people feel bad about their newly found freedom. Don’t worry, I recognise the progress our country has made in dealing with the current crisis and I’m happy our government is gradually lifting the lockdown. All I’m saying is let’s not forget about the less fortunate people in other countries.

And maybe we can share a bit, use our privilege to help. As a matter of personal importance, my shout-out goes to the school I volunteered at in Cusco, and the whole organisation surrounding it, Pukllasunchis. Many parents are currently prevented from working and are not able to pay the school money. This is why the school is struggling to pay salaries, let alone invest in the technology necessary to guarantee an online education. Find out more about the association (click here for the Spanish version) and/or lend a hand by donating. Just a little contribution goes a long way :).

I hope you are all well and making the best you can out of the present situation. Sending you lots of love!