Ana

I am a married woman with two daughters living in São Paulo. I am forty four years old and work as a gynecologist and obstetrician. I had to take a break from my work as a gynecologist for two months, but, I could never quit my work as an obstetrician. Many public establishments were shut down for a long time. My family had travel plans for my husband’s 50th, but with everything going on we had to cancel it. We stopped going to restaurants, malls, churches, and even spending time with friends. Though we stayed home for a very long time we became closer as a family. Everyone has been affected by the virus. Both public and private schools have had to close and children are learning from home. This is difficult as not all public school students have internet access which makes learning more complicated. Things have tried to start reopening, but with many restrictions in place like masks and capacity of people. Masks are required, people get their temperatures checked upon entry, and of course everyone is encouraged to keep their hands clean with alcohol based products.
The government has been doing things like building field hospitals and purchasing medicine but the national government has been providing the bulk of the support. Testing is encouraged but pricey, and m,ugh easier to obtain through private networks. They go for about 200 reals ($37.29) and come back within 48 hours.”Things will definitely never be the same. People will keep some hygienic habits for good. Unfortunately many people refuse to take the disease seriously. In my city there are significant social contrasts. Rich and poor live side by side, and that brings some questions of violence and fear. I think this is the worst problem of all. But there are also wonderful things here that make me love my city.”