COVID-19 City Tales: Helsinki. “I hope people slow down their way of living after this. There is way more to life than work and consumption.”

A conversation with… Noora, 29, Unemployed, Kallio. Self-isolated for 47 days

Firstly, can you let me know if you are self-isolated or quarantined? How many days has it been?

Self-isolated, 47 days and counting. I got sick on the 13th of March and was quarantined for two weeks, and after that self-isolated.

Are you spending it alone or with company?

With my boyfriend and our cat.

How are you coping with confinement?

Its been quite easy for me because Finland isn’t in full lockdown. We can still go outside freely for walks, grocery shopping and even some malls are still open. First two weeks of being sick were way harder because I was quarantined and alone. I don't feel like my life has changed that much, I left my job just before this all started and now I’m applying for University, so I’m getting ready for the entrance exam. Except that, I’m spending my time daydreaming, painting, writing and reading good books.

Describe the area where you live. Did you know your neighbours much before this happened? Has your relationship changed since this started?

I live in the centre of Helsinki, in an apartment building. Our street isn’t busy and it’s under construction work at the moment. When it comes to my neighbours, I don't really know them that well. I walk my cat on a daily basis, so there are some familiar faces these days. Also, our building’s info board has a “Do you need help from your neighbour?” sign where you can write your name and phone number if you wanna offer help for those who are quarantined.

What was the last thing you did before isolating? Can you remember that day?

I went to a museum for an art exhibition to see Natalia Goncharova’s exhibition. Its was great and I’m lucky to see that before all this started.

Do you miss the outdoors? Why?

No, because we can still go outside freely. I love to go to the woods for a hike and listen to a good podcast. It does wonders for my mental health.

Do you agree with the way your Government has handled the crisis? What would you change?

I think our leftist Government and prime minister Sanna Marin have handled the crisis very well. Our numbers are low and the Government took it very seriously from the beginning. Over ten people gatherings are forbidden and most people are working from home. I believe Finns are obedient people and good following our Government's request for self-isolation quite well. At the moment, I wouldn’t change anything.

Do you think this will have positive consequences as well?

I hope people slow down their way of living. There is way more to life than work and consumption. But change doesn’t come easy for us, so I fear that people are just gonna go back to the old habits.

Lastly, tell me something new you’ve learnt about yourself during isolation.

I have an excellent “inner clock” :-D