Life in Quarantine

Twenty days ago, life here changed overnight.  New laws and limitations were added daily as the government quickly acted on the protection of the people within the boundaries of our little country.  In our small city, we have speakers on every other lamppost in town to give announcements - usually reporting the sale of fruit at the market or that keys were found at such-and-such street if anyone had lost their keys - now rattling off the list of restrictions and closures.  I lean out my window (like the grandmothers do) and listen for sometimes as long as 20 minutes.  In need for a way to remember all the changing rules and in effort to not lose track of the days, I started recording just a snapshot of what each day contained.

[rules and limitations in print.  My activities in italics.]

Day 1 (Mar.11): government limits group meeting to less than 100 people.  Schools and kid's clubs close.  We closed Elim, English Classes, and Youth Groups/Bible Studies until further notice.

Day 2 (Mar.12): government limits group meetings to less than 30 people (unless gathering for funerals).  Mother's Center, library, pool, and skating rink are closed.  Everything must be closed before 6am and after 8pm.  Friend brought me a new book; already "cabin fevered."

Day 3 (Mar.13): preschools, churches, culture & city centers, sport gatherings, and fitness centers all closed.  Czech youth pastor was in Minnesota and is now on emergency flight back to Czech due to border-closings.  Slight cough today; no fever.  Watched a movie.  

Day 4 (Mar.14): all stores closed besides pharmacies, grocery stores, and some restaurants.  Had some sort of fast-acting stomach-bug this morning.  Rested.

Day 5 (Mar.15): nationwide home quarantine begins at midnight for next 8-10 days.  Only leaving for groceries and work (if necessary).  No flights into Czech; border closed - checkpoints between Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland.  Finished first book.  Feeling completely better. 

Day 6 (Mar.16): government requests everyone abide a 2 meter social distancing.  No visitors allowed into hospitals.  Watched a movie.  Finished second book.

Day 7 (Mar.17): many people sewing their own face-mask coverings.  Took a nature walk alone.

Day 8 (Mar.18): law given this afternoon requires us to wear a face-mask whenever outside of our home.  Only seniors (65+) are allowed in stores from 10-12am.  Took another nature walk alone (in the morning).

Day 9 (Mar.19): husbands are banned from being in delivery rooms with pregnant wives.  Went on a bike trip.

Day 10 (Mar.20): post office is only delivering certain days of the week.  Talked with a couple friends outside.

Day 11 (Mar.21): rumors of stricter quarantine coming.  Video-chatted with little cousins.  Watched another movie.

Day 12 (Mar.22): government predicts quarantine/lock-down until Easter.  Now, only seniors (65+) allowed in stores from 7-9am.  Rumors of tighter border controls.  Calling other Americans in Czech for more information and support.

Day 13 (Mar.23): government predicts borders may be closed up to 1-2 years.  Now, only seniors (65+) allowed in stores from 8-10am.  Quarantine extended until April 1 (subject to change).  Elim team meeting via video calling.

Day 14 (Mar.24): Finished third book. Started "Club at Home" challenges for kids.

Day 15 (Mar.25): Government restricts groups meeting with more than 2 people (and only if completely necessary; outside of families in homes/gardens).  Finished fourth book.  Bible Study via video calling.

Day 16 (Mar.26): Talk of canceling all summer activities as students may need to go to school through summer. Video called with some Czech missionary friends.

Day 17 (Mar.27): Video called with girls from Connect.  Video called with youth group.  Video called with friends from another youth group.

Day 18 (Mar.28):  Finished fifth book.  Went on a nature walk and talked with friends. 

Day 19 (Mar.29):  Our Mission Church had our first online service - I taught a quick Sunday School  lesson via video.  (Photos from a friend as her son interacts with the story of Jonah.  I asked the kids to hide  - like Jonah - which is the second picture!)

Day 20 (Mar.30):  Taught a quick lesson for Little Linguists via video.  Played BattleShip with a club friend via messaging.

I have currently won 15 games of Solitaire, and I look at my stack of unread books like some of you look at your depleting stack of toilet paper, wondering if I will make it through quarantine on my reading material!  I try to keep my days busy with many things at home so the days continue to pass quickly.  Each day, I am in contact with some youth and club students as we encourage each other, chat, and play games.  I have regular video-calls with friends and family to stay connected and talk with a live person each day.  My support system here is strong as a few friends have brought over treats and meals, kids colored pictures that parents will leave on my doorstep, friends sewed face-masks for me to wear, and members of the church regularly writing to check-in with me to make sure all is fine.  We are all holding out for what will happen next and learning how to adjust everyday life interactions to social media venues.