From Central Otago to virus-stricken South Korea

Travellers wear rain suits and face masks to protect themselves from Covid-19 while waiting for their flight at Incheon International Airport this week. Photo: Getty Images

A former Ranfurly man has found himself caught in the middle of one of the world’s biggest Covid-19 outbreaks.

Brendon Gately, who grew up in the Central Otago town and now lives in the South Korean city of Incheon, said both his work and private life had been affected by the outbreak.

Former Otago man Brendon Gately, now living in South Korea, with his daughters Joanne (back, 9) and Maegan (6) on a recent outing. Because of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, Mr Gately, an English teacher, is unable to work and his daughters cannot attend school. Photo: Brendon Gately

All social sporting events had been cancelled and professional sports were being played in empty stadiums, Mr Gately said.

Mr Gately, who is working as a freelance English tutor, said all his classes had been cancelled until at least May and his two daughters had the start of their school year postponed for at least three weeks, but possibly longer.

Overall, people were mostly satisfied with the Government’s response to the outbreak and there were no real signs of people tired of the restrictions, he said.

‘‘I don’t think anyone is super keen to send their kids to school despite being cooped up at home.’’

Demand for medical masks was so high and stocks so low that a limit of two per week had been put in place.

Mr Gately said about 300 people had lined up outside his local pharmacy which only had about 100 in stock.

‘‘There were some pretty unhappy campers.’’

‘‘I don’t think it’s particularly helpful but if you go out without a mask you get some funny looks.’’

Apart from wearing the masks, the family were also vigilant about washing their hands or using hand sanitiser.

His parents also had postponed their holiday to the country.

While South Korea was not one of the countries included on the New Zealand Government’s travel ban, people were advised to avoid all non-essential travel there.