Thursday, July 09, 2020

Alphabet 2020: M is for Melbourne

I have lived in Melbourne now for around 19 years. It's a place I love, and I can't really imagine living anywhere else. The city regularly tops the polls for the best place to live in the world for good reason. If you want sport, there is normally plenty on. If you want theatre, then there is a vibrant theatre and music scent. Culture? We've got it. We often say that if you can't find something good to eat in Melbourne then you aren't really trying hard enough.

My husband has lived here for about 10 years, and I remember one of our early conversations where we were talking about why we liked living here and he described it as a living city, and I really like that description. The reality is that there is something for everyone really, whatever you are interested in.

This week, though, has been a tough one for us Melburnians.  As of yesterday we have gone back into lockdown as a result of a second wave of COVID 19.  For us, lockdown means that we can only leave the house for four approved reasons: to work if you can't work from home, for medical treatment, for physical fitness reasons and essential shopping

I know that in comparison to many places around the world, our numbers are miniscule, but by Australian standards our infection numbers have skyrocketed and therefore drastic measures have had to be taken. At the moment we have around 800 active cases, but some of the daily numbers of cases identified are higher than they were at any time during the virus, which is why everyone is concerned.

So what does that mean for us. We have now been working from home for nearly 4 months, and so that will continue now for quite some time. Given that we hadn't gone back into the office after the last lockdown even though that finished a month ago, I can't see us getting back into the building until maybe the end of October but I am thinking later. It is a bit demoralising to be going backwards after we were able to start to go back to normal. I am grateful that we took the opportunity to do some normal things like having brunch and going for a drive in the country while we could  - always following the rules around social distancing and washing our hands.

When we realised that we were going to end up working from home, I wasn't really looking forward to it at all, but it turns out that I have quite enjoyed it. I like not having to do the 90 minute commute each way every day on public transport. I like being able to get up later and I like seeing my husband all day, or at least being able to hear him as we aren't always in the same room.

One of the things that I would never have imagined is the fact that the state borders have closed between the states. Right now, my state is basically isolated with all our adjoining state borders closed to Victorians. Apparently this is the first time that the borders between New South Wales and Victoria has been closed for around 100 years.

One of the interesting things about the way that Australia is dealing with the crisis is that there are no instructions at all to advise us that we should be wearing masks. I know that will shock a lot of people who have very strong opinions about the wearing of masks, but even the medical professionals in my organisation said that it wasn't necessary. I do think it will come soon, but for now, there are very few people wearing masks as we go about our business, when we can.

It is going to be tough over the next six weeks for the people in this city, but hopefully this further period of lockdown will have the necessary effect, and we can get back to enjoying life in this wonderful city!



17 comments:

  1. I'm surprised with a 6-week lockdown, you aren't advised to wear masks when you do have to go out. I hope the time passes quickly for you. Stay safe!

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    1. It has never been a requirement here Les

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  2. Always interesting to see what other countries are doing, especially with things so bad here in the US. I wish you luck and a quick lessening of cases hopefully. And that's interesting about masks! There's huge debate about them here.

    Melbourne sounds like a fantastic city. I do hope to visit Australia someday and Melbourne would definitely be a city I'd like to experience. I'm sorry you have to go back into lockdown though. That may be coming for us here too. I do like working from home, although there is something to be said for getting out and about as well!

    Be well and stay safe this week!

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    1. It is interesting to hear how other places are dealing with it, and hearing how emotive people are about certain issues.

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  3. I wrote this huge comment and blogspot ate it, lol. But this is a fantastic post.

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  4. Masks compulsory here in Sri Lanka if you outside. We have no lockdown or curfew after months of strictly enforced curfew. No shopping medicines only allowed as a reason. Going without a mask is fine and jail time so people are very careful! I think stringent rules are necessary because there are always the odd person who will not adhere to them.

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    1. Thanks for sharing about the situation in Sri Lanka.

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  5. There are speculations that one or two of the most affected provinces in SA will also have to go under strict Lock Down again. Our numbers are bad, really bad.

    Good luck to you guys!

    My reading challenge for this year is an Alphabet challenge (boring, I know - you are way more creative) Read the alphabet 2020

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    1. My inlaws live in SA so we try to keep up with the news from there as much as we can.

      That's not boring! My next Alphabet is going to be on music!

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  6. Melbourne sounds like a wonderful city and I'd want to live there too! I love watching the Australian Open tennis from there (almost) every January. Sorry to hear the situation there has worsened due to Covid ... I'm surprised medical officials there don't think masks are necessary, huh? Along with distancing it seems like a good idea. In Canada the border here is closed ... and the cases in the West are relatively low 550 active cases in my province but we are staying vigilant. hope you all stay well!

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    1. Numbers wise, ours are very low, even without masks. They have just announced yesterday that they want us to start wearing them when it isn't possible to socially distant.

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  7. Melbourne sounds lovely! My husband and I hope to visit Australia some day. I'm sure Melbourne will be on our list.

    I'm sorry you're having to go back into lock down. Hopefully things get better quickly.

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    1. They might get worse before they get better Jen! We'll see

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  8. I loved my brief visit to Melbourne a couple of years ago. Thinking of you all as you cope with lock down and the border being closed. I follow it all on the news every night.. Make sure you stay safe. My sister enjoys her work from home, so far they haven't had to go back, like you she doesn't miss the travel.

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    1. You have to look for the positives wherever you can find them right Kathryn! In my case it is sleeping later and no commute!

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  9. One day I would love to visit Australia! Melbourne sounds like a place not to be missed. I'm sorry you guys have to go back into lockdown mode. Unfortunately I'm in Texas which is quickly becoming a hotspot here in the States. Scary for sure but at least I've been working from home as is my husband and that helps. We will all get through this as long as we do the right thing by social distancing, washing hands, etc. I'm ready for next year though and hopefully a vaccine! :)

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