What is there to say about spending over 2 months under an isolation order? Extreme boredom. Panic job searching. Wondering when we will regain our freedom. Dreading life under the “new normal” whatever that may be.
In Madrid, we remain under Phase 0.5. So, what does that mean? Well, we can only leave our homes up to a one kilometer radius to go to the bank, seek medical treatment, buy food and essential items, walk dogs, and an extra hour of freedom in the morning or evening to take a walk, a run, or exercise where you don’t have to touch another person. For the average adult, that extra hour can only be taken between 6 am – 10 am or 8 pm – 11 pm. Most people choose the evenings, which means the sidewalks are full of people and pedestrians start to take over the streets. In many areas, it’s impossible to maintain the social distance of 2 meters because of the crowds.
Starting today, we are now required to wear masks in public places where we can’t guarantee keeping the social distance of 2 meters from other people. I did a trial run yesterday wearing a mask while I took my dog on a walk. I truly felt like I was suffocating and pulled it down off my face once we arrived at the large, empty plaza near my apartment. I can’t imagine wanting to go out with a mask on in the hot summer just to be outside.
Beautiful spring weather has come and all of Madrid desperately hopes that we can pass to Phase 1 next Monday, which would give us the freedom to see friends and family, as well as visit the outside terrace seating of bars and restaurants (at a reduced capacity of 30%-50%).
People are growing very tired of isolation. Protests in more affluent neighborhoods (which is almost unheard of in Madrid!) started earlier this week and continue each evening with people wearing Spanish flags banging on pots and pans shouting for freedom. This week, Pedro Sanchez, the President of Spain, attempted to have the isolation order extended for another 30 days from May 24th, but was only able to get an agreement for another 15 days, which ends on June 7th. Legal authorities are questioning whether the government will be able to enforce further de-escalation phases if we are no longer under an isolation order. If they are correct, then Sanchez will have to go back to congress and seek further agreements with the other political parties for more isolation periods, but his political alliances are starting to crumble, which could leave us with a minority government that cannot pass any legislation.
Early in the isolation, we used to talk about all of the things that we want to do once we are no longer under isolation orders like traveling, dancing to live music or meeting our friends at our favorite restaurants, bars and cafes. But already, I see bars and restaurants that have gone out of business during this isolation order, and if social distancing continues to be required, then there will be no live music and dancing. Now my wish list has gotten much shorter and I told my neighbor during a walk the other day that I only want a full-time job that will pay my bills, live a quiet life and spend time with my friends. I think life under the “new normal” is going to suck for a long period of time.
Dispatches From Madrid 