Global Status of COVID-19: Mandatory Mask Use in Germany
In the heart of Germany, city of Aachen, a mini-lockdown has been in place since early November. As the second wave of the coronavirus sweeps across the country, over 22,000 new cases were reported in a day during its peak. Hospitals are grappling with the influx of patients demanding intensive care, with many being put on ventilators. Almaty.tv had a chat with Olesya Yukhnovets, a Kazakh native residing in Aachen, about the tense situation unfolding in the largest European state.
- Hey Olesya, how's the epidemiological situation in your city? It's been pretty serious, huh?
- Hey! We're smack dab in the middle of Aachen. The city, like the rest of the country, is under a mini-lockdown. This means sports centers, bars, and restaurants are closed, but shopping centers and stores are still open. A mask mandate is in place everywhere, apart from the street, public transportation, and stores. People oblige with social distancing measures too - in stores and on buses, they try to spread out evenly. Offices have restrictions too, allowing no more than two people in one office. Contact tracing logs are being maintained, ensuring that even though all meetings have shifted online, anyone needing to visit an office must leave their contact information.
- Olesya, how has this affected daily life? In terms of the psychological state of the locals, for instance.
Yes, maintaining life during a lockdown means adjusting to new norms - and for many, life shifts take a toll on their emotional state. Large companies, however, are providing support by introducing psychological training or consultations for their employees. They're also moving corporate events to online platforms to encourage interaction. Of course, complaints about a lack of communication flood the streets. Presently, it's prohibited to gather in groups exceeding 10 people, with these 10 people belonging to a maximum of two households. This means that if you live separately from your family, such as with your sister, you cannot visit together. You'd have to take turns to ensure compliance with the rules.
For a detailed analysis of the psychological impact on Aachen's residents, specific data or studies from the city are necessary. However, generally, lockdowns can affect mood, productivity, and social interactions. Negative effects may include increased stress, decreased productivity, feelings of isolation, and loneliness due to limited social interaction. The severity, duration, and individual coping mechanisms of the lockdown are factors that would influence these effects in Aachen.
- Olesya, are there any efforts being made to support mental health during this challenging time?
- Indeed, some companies are offering psychological training or consultations for their employees to help them cope with the stress and isolation caused by the lockdown. They are also moving corporate events to online platforms to encourage interaction and communication.
