This Lockdown DOES Feel Different

When Aotearoa New Zealand went into Level 4 lockdown for the first time (March 25th 2020 to April 27th 2020) they were "unprecedented times", now, it doesn't feel like that eh. The nation was locking down just as many parts of the world took a similar drastic approach, AoNZ wasn't alone as the world rushed to survive.

As people it was so unusual and novel that we had no reference frame helping us 'how to be', so we did as we were told and knuckled down to a life inside. We invented things to keep us going deep inside our newly invented bubble concepts, we learnt new information in engaging ways, we 'fell in love' with those that were guiding us, and it was an adventure.

Like all new adventures it was easier for some than others. There were deaths, hardships, and long term issues I suspect we won't recognise let alone deal with for a number of years.

But most of all, it was all so so different from anything we had ever encountered.

And, it worked. Surprisingly to some, astoundingly to the world, and, "Yeah, 'course mate!" to many Kiwis, we beat the COVID-19 fucker, even when it dared to try to sneak back in a few times.

This though time, in Aotearoa New Zealand it feels different, and for the simple reason that this lockdown IS different - it's not new, we've been here before.

"Done that, bought the t-shirt", we are impatient to get it over with, coz we know we can do it.

For a start, we are much more comfortable in working from home coz we've done it - staff know how to do it, the tech does work, and managers can relax coz they know the work will get done. We also know what doesn't work, especially for those managing kids or elderly in their bubble AND trying to do work, and much more empathetic and flexible.

There is no massive learning to do, just do the work and get on with it.
Which kinda sucks, coz there's no adventure spirit, no 'all pulling together', no 'team of 5 million' - notice how that label hasn't stuck this time around. Just, well, day to day work life, but locked inside.

It's also true that the COVidiots know the cracks to slip through, the loopholes they can prise open, and the lack of comeback when they just do whatever they want. The virus also uses all these, it's why it can spread so quickly, and it doesn't have to "think" it just does, like a Terminator that just keeps on going with no thought for how "clever' you may feel, it'll get ya!

We are also, as a nation, out here on our own this time.

Many nations have given up, they're not locking down, they are putting ALL their hope in the vaccinations and to some degree attempting to force themselves to "get back to normal". This seems to me like a gamble, a throw of the dice whilst pushing all the chips forward saying, "We're all in!!". Red 22 does sometimes come up, but it mostly doesn't. Not to say vaccines aren't great, of course we should all get vaccinated, AND do all the virus management at the border, lockdowns, etc

In this country we are doing it differently, certainly differently to most of our traditional "chums", excepting Australia. Over the Tasman they are struggling hard to put a lid on their own outbreak and we are certainly learning from their slow start and I wish them the best and hope they nail it.

So here we are, little old Aotearoa New Zealand, doing it "the old way" and trying to stick together despite those that would force us apart. If we manage it this time it will be an incredible testament to the people of this country and an even bigger achievement than the first time - this time we did it tougher, mostly alone, and with a sense of "Ah fuck, right let's knuckle down and do this again!", the first time didn't require as much.

To everyone that is doing 4 simple things needed, thanks!

1. Stay inside
2. Wear a mask every time you go out
3. Always scan in with the COVID app
4. Get vaccinated

Oh, and of course, spread those legs!

PS: to all the essential workers I hope we don't just say thank you this time but also PAY YOU MORE MONEY!