Lithuanians living in Sweden: the second wave is not felt here, some restrictions have already been eased

“The second wave does not feel so strong with us, because we did not have universal quarantine. The number of patients is growing now, there is more talk about it, but the situation remains stable, the rules have been established and people seem to be trying to adapt, ”says Eglė Gavenė, who lives in Sweden, on the Delfi Day program.

According to her, residents are constantly reminded of three basic rules: wash their hands, keep their distance, and stay home with even the slightest symptoms.

“It is emphasized that this is the responsibility of all of us, each of us personally”, emphasizes E. Gavenė.

The woman says that the coronavirus previously introduced a restriction for the gathering of groups of more than 50 people, and for a long time it was strictly forbidden to visit a nursing home, but these restrictions are now being lowered.

“It just came to our knowledge then. I can’t go to a child’s school, but the classes are normal,” he says.

However, E. Gavenė points out, we will not develop protective face masks in Sweden; it is not necessary to use them here. “Rarely, very rarely,” says the Lithuanian. Restaurants, bars are also currently operating in normal mode.

Quarantine of people

Meanwhile, Israel has entered the quarantine twice, the second time in September. Lithuanian Ieva Vėbraitė-Adereth, who lives here, says there are many infected people in the country.

“The numbers are very large, every day: 9 thousand. We have been in quarantine for several weeks. I would not say that people are happy,” he says.

True, I. Vėbraitė-Adereth notes that statistics have improved significantly since the introduction of quarantine for the second time. However, he says, the situation is complicated, many people have lost their jobs.

“If a person still has a job and can work from home, that’s fine. If you don’t have children, everything is fine. But if you have a child and kindergartens and schools are closed, it is practically impossible for you to work and take care of the child. child. At least from my own experience. On the other hand, 900,000 people have lost their jobs, imagine how they feel, “explains the woman.

In his opinion, there is not enough government support for the victims of the crisis either.

“Those who lose their jobs receive a benefit. The prime minister came up with the idea of ​​issuing 750 shekels to each citizen, which is equivalent to more than 100 euros. It also helps small businesses. It may be minimal support, but certainly it’s not enough. When you walk down the street and see how many businesses have closed, this second quarantine makes the situation worse, “says I. Vėbraitė-Adereth.

The situation is also aggravated because not all, according to the interlocutor, are complying with the security requirements: “With regard to people, it is difficult to say that there are sectors that do not follow the rules, and that is why we have such huge numbers” .

Protests against restrictions

In the Netherlands, which is among the European countries hardest hit by the coronavirus, the situation is deteriorating dramatically with each passing day, says Beata Kviatek, who lives there.

“In fact, there are many concerns and the government is trying to address the situation by introducing slightly tougher measures, but it is a very big challenge because there are many protests from many who criticize the introduction of any measure. In The Hague it had An unauthorized demonstration took place, during which 80 people were arrested. There are also people who demand stricter measures, “says the Lithuanian.

According to her, the Netherlands failed to prepare for the second wave, as it was expected to start at the end of October-November.

“It was considered that it was not necessary to expand the number of places in the hospitals, the middle way was chosen. Currently, a quarter of the seats have already been filled and patients may have to be transported to Germany, as was the case during the first wave, ”explains B. Kviatek.

Protective masks also do not have to be worn everywhere in the Netherlands: “Masks are only mandatory in public transport, but there are even people who do not wear them and behave very aggressively. Masks are only recommended in public buildings. They are also recommended in secondary schools, but not in elementary schools. “

A Lithuanian who teaches at the university says that most of the teaching takes place remotely, but efforts are made in separate groups or at least to give freshmen a chance to get acquainted with the university. It is true that students are not satisfied with such training and the situation may change.

“We may have a change as most students are not happy with distance education and there is talk that students can claim a refund. Increasing contact learning is being considered to prevent this from happening, ”says Kviatek, who lives in the Netherlands, on Delfi’s day.