coronavirus-in-pictures
Vienna day 1 of self isolation measures:
Wow! Streets almost empty of people and cars. There were only 2 other persons in the tramway!
In the bus only 8 persons! The door entry in buss and tramway at the front near the conductor is sealed, maybe as protection of the driver against close contact with people.
In the supermarket cashier wearing gloves and regularly spraying sanitizing spray on the counter.
At the pharmacy, it was funny. People keeping at least 1 meter away from each other while waiting in line.
Everything closed other than supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacy, and post office, closed until April 17.
Beirut day 1 of self isolation:
After coming back from my dog's walk (at 6:30 am) and having my coffee, I went around on the bike... Many businesses are closed - Banks are closed. So traffic is at a minimum....
Reminded me of the old days when we had explosives planted in cars. All security personnel at this time where carrying this antenna like bomb detector. NOW, they are ALL holding the thermometer that measures fever from a distance.
Latest gossip: Seems that a cook in AUBMC hospital kitchen has been diagnosed positive 4 days ago but was not notified! He was reporting to duty as usual.
Vienna day 4 of self isolation:
Proud to be Austrian in view of how the crisis is handled.
Stimulus package already issued. It includes compensating 80 to 90% of salaries to those who became unemployed or are self-employed. Culture was also included in the package.
Austria’s health care system is well-prepared. Hospitals have over 22 intensive care units (ICUs) per 100,000 people – significantly more than the rich country's average. Yet COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm the most capable systems, hence medical preparations full speed for example a Vienna expo center was turned into a coronavirus care facility with 880 beds in less than a day, and AKH hospital has now 90-minutes fast tests for COVID-19.
Beirut day 4 of self isolation:
Pharmacies, vegetable and grocery shops are all open. Many businesses and cafe open. They all seem to be taking some sort of precautionary measures...
The city seems a bit cleaner albeit there is a new type of garbage, randomly discarded surgical masks and latex gloves!
It is still empty with little traffic, but cars are crossing red signal lights with more impunity.
Finally, the Corniche pavement still closed for pedestrians and cyclists just like the banks.
People very stressed jittery to be laid out of work and find themselves without health care or unemployment benefits. More so the daily workers and self employed.
Vienna day 7 of self isolation:
I have been struggling with working in this situation, though I love the time I am spending relaxing and reading. But the consequences on my work might be dramatic.
Now I found my pace, the important thing is to have a routine. Wake up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed then start the workday with lots of video calls. I also take my coffee breaks and lunch break as usual. It is working! Though difficult.
Beirut day 7 of self isolation:
Movement was restricted today!
I walked my dog on the Cornich this morning -- mostly on the other pavement -- NOT seaside. He did not enjoy the walk much! Did few meters only sea-side, it was creepy, totally empty! So steered to the safe side. Army carriers and personnel making the rounds -- as if we are in a military rule imposed curfew.
As for the usually long Sunday (it does not feel it though) bike run, I got up to Sodeco intersection from Basta side and found it so empty and creepy vacant to an extend I imagined that like during the days of the civil war there was a sniper hiding on the roof of the building waiting for anyone to cross to shoot.
I turned back!
Beirut and Vienna day 9, 10, and 11:
From Beirut: Movement is on the rise in Beirut this morning. As if people are restless and had enough of each other and the lockdown. Who knows, maybe marital relations are worsening today!
All days are alike, they all feel the same with no difference. Is it Sunday or Tuesday? Nothing differentiates then. No passage of time... Each day is a 24 hour Deja vu!
From Vienna: Same here, all days are the same except no increase in traffic. The only news is Austrian airlines grounded its fleet until April 19 due to world-wide travel restrictions. However, repatriation for some is still possible; 1,300 people were already repatriated by Austrian Airlines.
Testimony from across the divide
Vienna day 1 of self isolation measures:
Wow! Streets almost empty of people and cars. There were only 2 other persons in the tramway!
In the bus only 8 persons! The door entry in buss and tramway at the front near the conductor is sealed, maybe as protection of the driver against close contact with people.
In the supermarket cashier wearing gloves and regularly spraying sanitizing spray on the counter.
At the pharmacy, it was funny. People keeping at least 1 meter away from each other while waiting in line.
Everything closed other than supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacy, and post office, closed until April 17.
Beirut day 1 of self isolation:
After coming back from my dog's walk (at 6:30 am) and having my coffee, I went around on the bike... Many businesses are closed - Banks are closed. So traffic is at a minimum....
Reminded me of the old days when we had explosives planted in cars. All security personnel at this time where carrying this antenna like bomb detector. NOW, they are ALL holding the thermometer that measures fever from a distance.
Latest gossip: Seems that a cook in AUBMC hospital kitchen has been diagnosed positive 4 days ago but was not notified! He was reporting to duty as usual.
Vienna day 4 of self isolation:
Proud to be Austrian in view of how the crisis is handled.
Stimulus package already issued. It includes compensating 80 to 90% of salaries to those who became unemployed or are self-employed. Culture was also included in the package.
Austria’s health care system is well-prepared. Hospitals have over 22 intensive care units (ICUs) per 100,000 people – significantly more than the rich country's average. Yet COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm the most capable systems, hence medical preparations full speed for example a Vienna expo center was turned into a coronavirus care facility with 880 beds in less than a day, and AKH hospital has now 90-minutes fast tests for COVID-19.
Beirut day 4 of self isolation:
Pharmacies, vegetable and grocery shops are all open. Many businesses and cafe open. They all seem to be taking some sort of precautionary measures...
The city seems a bit cleaner albeit there is a new type of garbage, randomly discarded surgical masks and latex gloves!
It is still empty with little traffic, but cars are crossing red signal lights with more impunity.
Finally, the Corniche pavement still closed for pedestrians and cyclists just like the banks.
People very stressed jittery to be laid out of work and find themselves without health care or unemployment benefits. More so the daily workers and self employed.
Vienna day 7 of self isolation:
I have been struggling with working in this situation, though I love the time I am spending relaxing and reading. But the consequences on my work might be dramatic.
Now I found my pace, the important thing is to have a routine. Wake up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed then start the workday with lots of video calls. I also take my coffee breaks and lunch break as usual. It is working! Though difficult.
Beirut day 7 of self isolation:
Movement was restricted today!
I walked my dog on the Cornich this morning -- mostly on the other pavement -- NOT seaside. He did not enjoy the walk much! Did few meters only sea-side, it was creepy, totally empty! So steered to the safe side. Army carriers and personnel making the rounds -- as if we are in a military rule imposed curfew.
As for the usually long Sunday (it does not feel it though) bike run, I got up to Sodeco intersection from Basta side and found it so empty and creepy vacant to an extend I imagined that like during the days of the civil war there was a sniper hiding on the roof of the building waiting for anyone to cross to shoot.
I turned back!
Beirut and Vienna day 9, 10, and 11:
From Beirut: Movement is on the rise in Beirut this morning. As if people are restless and had enough of each other and the lockdown. Who knows, maybe marital relations are worsening today!
All days are alike, they all feel the same with no difference. Is it Sunday or Tuesday? Nothing differentiates then. No passage of time... Each day is a 24 hour Deja vu!
From Vienna: Same here, all days are the same except no increase in traffic. The only news is Austrian airlines grounded its fleet until April 19 due to world-wide travel restrictions. However, repatriation for some is still possible; 1,300 people were already repatriated by Austrian Airlines.
