Lockdown: when time stood still

Pnoto: Getty Images
Pnoto: Getty Images
"What was it like in Covid lockdown, Gran?”

New Zealand’s Level 4 lockdown, the first anniversary of which is marked today, was an astounding time in this country’s history. We had never seen anything quite like it, although the post-World War 2 polio epidemic closed schools and restricted travel.

The impact of the world wars, the 1919 Spanish flu and the Great Depression were vastly greater. The likes of the Springbok tour and protests of 1981 shook the nation. The scars from the Vietnam War, the Erebus crash and particularly the Christchurch earthquakes remain.

Meanwhile, underlying change has altered the political, social, economic, moral and environmental landscape. The Maori renaissance and the Treaty of Waitangi settlements would be an example.

Nonetheless, the pandemic has shaken and changed the world. This has been the biggest single happening for baby boomers and subsequent generations.

Life was changed for a weird four weeks as we went "hard and early” and — apart from "essential workers” — we stayed at or close to home. There then followed the Level 3 restrictions.

So much went on hold; work for many, sport, the arts, social events, funerals, weddings, church services and, of course, travel. It was as if we were suspended, as if time stood still.

We remember "clusters” and how they grew and were contained. We remember the sad announcements of Covid-related deaths. We remember the early afternoon media conferences and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield announcing and pronouncing.

We learned of "bubbles”, "to stay safe”, "to be kind”, among a new lexicon of terms and phrases.

Do we also remember the uncertainty and fear of those first weeks? No-one really knew where this was going. Would we be able to manage, and then "eliminate”, the virus? How would we and our friends and loved ones cope? Was this country in for economic ruin? Would we have a job?

As the lockdown continued and as the news grew brighter, many people moved to a second phase where rays of positivity and possibility shone.

The numbers of cases slid, modern communication enabled much to carry on and the "nation of five million” was doing a damn fine job.

The teddy bears in the windows brought unity and joy, neighbours walked and talked, bird song in the city became more evident as cars deserted the streets.

For many, especially those living alone, those whose employment was fraught or those affected by illness or family crisis or death, this was a time of gloom. We should not forget them and their trials.

It must have been challenging for families in crowded houses, for those in sour relationships as well as for the likes of those working from home and having to deal with children simultaneously.

At the same time, stillness, quietness, and togetherness in immediate families were all prized. Here was a chance to be free, at least for a time, from many obligations, an opportunity to take stock.

It was surprising how many people, once the fear factor subsided, enjoyed and appreciated the space and clear air.

That pleasure was also tinged with guilt because of the knowledge that so many were also doing it so hard.

With the benefit of hindsight, the lockdown was the right call for both health and the economy. Mistakes were made, some serious. But New Zealand built on the lockdown to keep Covid-19 largely at bay, at least for now.

Who knows what the future will hold?

Even if grandchildren on school assignment do not ask about that time when our world changed, and even if the lockdown is superseded by something even worse, it will still be the stuff of reminiscence.

This will be painful for many. Memories will be fonder for others. But let us all hope it never has to be repeated.

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