Life In Lockdown: "I’ve never experienced such a global community spirit"

The coronavirus crisis has robbed her of the chance to sit A levels. We have asked Jenny to share her thoughts on the difficult times we are living through... Here is her latest contribution.

"As we progress further into lockdown, it appears that the light at the end of the tunnel may finally be revealing itself as Boris Johnson’s exit plan begins to alter what has been a strict but necessary set of instructions. Whereas before I have been hesitant to plan a thing post quarantine for fear of disappointment, the prospects of at least a few weeks of sunny days at the beach and spontaneous McDonalds drive-thru trips have been a welcome glimmer of hope. This proposal that an end may be in sight has certainly filled me with a sense of optimism. But I would be lying if I also said that I wasn’t fearful.

"Over the past few weeks I have frequently heard this quarantine period likened to being in your own ‘bubble’. As much as I have been keeping in contact with friends and relatives I certainly relate to this analogy, where it seems that my lack of everyday responsibilities has left me in an insular state of mind that personally, I have relished. Perhaps I am enjoying lockdown too much, and the possibility of returning to what I would consider ‘normal life’ is particularly daunting. It goes without saying, like all of us, that in the last two months I have undoubtedly had my moments of panic where the reality of such prolonged separation from my loved ones has taken its toll. Yet, the opportunities that have arisen from this situation, both personally and globally seem to paper over the cracks that form in those low moments. I don’t have to list the multiple displays of solidarity in gratitude to the NHS and other key workers in this time, but, certainly in my lifetime, I’ve never experienced such a global community spirit.